F 



GEOEGIA: 



FKOM THK 



It [MIGRANT Settler's Stand-Point. 



GIVING THE RESULTS OF THE EXPEKIENCE OF ACT- 
UAL SETTLERS FROM OTHER STATES AND COUN- 
TRIES, PREFACED WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE 
NATURAL RESOURCES OF GEORGIA, 
AND THE INDUCEMENTr. 10 IMMI- 
GRANTS AND CAPITALISTS. 



TREPAKED UNDEK THE DIKECTIO.V OF 

THOMAS P. JANES, A.M., M.D. 

Commission KR of Agkiol-lturp: of Georgia. 



RMilVfP 

DUG 10 1901 



ATLANTA, GEORGIA: 

irzo. 




Class f^^ J 

Book Cc-SlL. 



GEOEG-IA: 



From the Immigrant Settler's Stand-Point, 



GIVING THE RESULTS OF THE EXPERIENCE OF ACT- 
UAL SETTLERS FROM OTHER STATES AND COUN- 
TRIES, PREFACED WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE 
NATURAL RESOURCES OF GEORGIA, 
AND THE INDUCEMENTS TO IMMI- 
GRANTS AND CAPITALISTS. 



4 



/ij> >: 



PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OP 

THOMAS P. TAISTJES, A.M., M.D., 

Commissioner of Agriculture of Georgia. 



ATLANTA, GA. 

1879. 



20 jMO-VigOS 

D.OtDa 



PREFACE, 



The South has been misunderstood and often misrepresented — 
sometimes by immigration agents of other States, often by design- 
ing pohticians and partisan newspapers, and occasionally by 
those, who, having travelled through the country, are therefore 
presumed to know whereof they affirm. 

These misconceptions and misrepresentations have not been 
confined to the sentiments of our people, but have had reference 
also to our habits, our customs, our administration and observance 
of law, the general condition of society, and also to our natural 
advantages of climate, soil, productions, etc., a correct knowledge 
of which is so essential to the intending emigrant, if we would at- 
tract him to our borders. 

These errors have often been corrected, and unjust charges 
denied, but, as might reasonably have been feared— from the pre- 
sumed partiality of our writers and speakers — without fully vindi- 
cating our section and people in the minds of a large number of 
those who are honestly seeking the truth. 

With a view to clearly setting forth the natural advantages of 
the State of Georgia as a home for the immigrant, and the induce- 
ments offered lor safe and profitable investments of capital, the 
Commissoner of Agriculture prepared and published, in 1878, " A 
Manual, of Georgia, for the use of Immigrants and Capital- 
ists.''^ A large number of copies of this Manual were distributed 
throughout the North and West, and some have been sent to 
Europe, with the effect of increasing the interest already aroused 
in the minds of those who contemplate emigrating, and are on the 
lookout for the State which affords the greatest natural induce- 
ments and other attractions. 

The Manual of Georgia, though giving an accurate and ex- 
haustive description of the State b^^ counties, would have been 
still more valuable for the purpose intended, had it contained some 
accounts of the experience of those who have settled in the State 
within the last fifteen years. It is intended to supply this testi- 
mony by publishing " Georgia, from the Immigrant Settler^ s stand- 
point.^^ 



PREFACE. 

In the preparation of the pamphlet a circular letter was sent to 
one or more of the regular correspondents of the Department of 
Agriculture in each of the counties of the State, requesting them 
to furnish the names of several of the most intelligent and reliable 
citizens of their respective counties who were born and reared in 
the North or a foreign country, and have, since 1865, immigrated 
to, and become permanent citizens of the State. In response to 
this circular, the names and postoffice address of one or more such 
citizens was supplied from a sufficient number of counties to fairly 
represent every section of the State. To those, a circular, a copy 
of which appears in Part II., was sent, and the replies are ap- 
pended immediately following the description of the several sec- 
tions of the State, 

As this publication will fall into the hands of many who have 
not read the :Manual of Georgia, it has been thought best to 
embody in Part I. much of the general information contained in 
the latter work, and which is not supplied by the published letters 
from actual settlers. 

Those who may wish to verify the authenticity of the published 
letters, or obtain further information from the same source, are 
invited to write to the authors, many of whom have voluntarily 
signified their willingness to respond to any enquiries which they 
may receive. 

It is proper to remark, in conclusion, that this publication has 
been prepared for the sole purpose of advancing the material inter- 
ests of Georgia, by encouraging the immigration of honest, sober, 
industrious citizens from every section of the Union and from the 
most desirable nationalities of Europe. 

THOMAS P. JANES, 
Cornmissioner of Agriculture. 
Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1879. 

Note. For more detailed information and statistics of the several counties of the 
State, the reader is referred to "A Manual of GEORGiA,/or the Use of Immigrants and 
Ca2nialists" a copy of which will be sent by mail to any applicant enclosing a 3 cent 
stamp for return postage. 



PART I 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION OF GEORGIA. 

The State of Georgia lies in the southeastern portion of the 
United States, and, with Florida, constitutes the extreme portion 
of th'^ American Union iu that direction. In the original settle- 
ment, its chartered limits extended from the Atlantic ocean to the 
Mississippi river, with the 31st parallel of north latitude as its 
northern boundary, and the 31st parallel and Florida as its bound- 
ary on the South. Early in the present century, a very large por- 
tion of this territory westward— nearly two-thirds— was ceded to 
the United States, and out of it, in great part, have since been 
formed the two new States of Alabama and Mississippi. 

From the above, it will be seen that the entire State lies within 
the southern porlionof the temperate zone, and, as a consequence, 
is exempt alike from the rigors and other discomforts and disad- 
vantages of a cold climate, and the debility and diseases incident 
to tropical regions. It may l^e said with perfect truth, that there 
is no part of the knoAii world where a greater degree of physical 
comfort can be secured the year round, or where a greater amount 
of labor can be performed in the usual vocations, within the same 
period of time, than in Georgia. But these points will be more 
fully treated under their appropriate heads. 

The geographical situation of Georgia is worthy of note in an- 
other, the commercial view of the question. The 32 1 parallel of 
north latitude passes nearly through the centre of the State ; the 
gi'eat southern trans-continental line of railway, to connect the 
Atlantic and Pacific oceans by a communication uninterruped by 
snows in winter, and open the year round, has been located on 
and near that parallel. Savannah, Georgia's principal seaport, 
is but 15' north of that line, and is destined to become the eastern 
terminus of this great highway of trade. It is 943 miles nearer to 
San Diego, on the CAlifornia coast, than New York —the eastern 
terminus of the northern lines— is to Sin Franc sco; the distance 
between the two latter cities being 3,456 miles, while the distance 
between the two foriiier is only 2,512 miles. This road will be 
completed in a very few years, and its beneficial eflects upon the 
trade and general prosperity of Georgia are too obvious to require 



6 DEPARTMENT OF AGRTCULTURE — GEORGIA. [94] 

comment. The facts stated show that this southern line is des- 
tined to become the favorite highway of the Pacific trade, includ- 
ing that of China and Japan, with the ports of Georgia as its chief 
entrepots in the East. 

Georgia, from her geographical relations, is also the natural 
highway to the teeming products of the great agricultural heart of 
the country— the Mississippi Valley. A straight line from St. 
Louis, or the mouth of the Ohio, shows that the Atlantic coast of 
Georgia is much nearer and more accessible to the commerce of 
the West than that of any other State in the Union. Several lines 
of railway between these two sections are already in successful 
operation ; while a projected canal from the Tennessee river to the 
head of navigation on the Altamaha tributaries in Georgia will 
afford ample water transportation to the commerce of the West 
seeking European markets, and, in point of time, speedier than 
that hitherto employed— the circuitous route via the Mississippi 
river and the Gulf of Mexico. This canal route has been surveyed 
by direction of Congress, its practicability and cheapness fully 
determined, and its construction made a simple question of time. 
FACE OF THE COUNTRY. 

The nominal divisions of the State are three-fold, to wit : Lower, 
Middle and Upper Georgia. These correspond, in the order stated, 
with the three great natural divisions, viz : the low countrj'^, the 
hill country and the mountain region. 

Lower Georgia lies below the line crossing the heads of naviga- 
tion of the rivers, a portion of which flow into the Atlantic ocean, 
and a portion into the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest of the 
three divisions, comprising about 85,000 square miles. It lies for 
the most part, below the level of 300 feet above tlie sea, the aver- 
age elevation being about 250 feet. 

Middle Georgia lies between the heads of navigation and the 
elevation of 1,000 or 1,100 feet, the average being 750 feet. It has 
an area of 15,000 square miles. 

Upper Georgia constitutes the northern portion of the State, and 
embraces all the mountains of any note, and much hill country. 
It has an area of about 10,000 square miles. The eastern half has 
an average elevation of about 1,500 feet, whilst there are moun- 
tain chains that rise to the height of 3,000 feet, and peaks to 4,800 
feet. The western half is much lower, the general elevation being 
only 750 feet, with mountains up to 2,000 feet. 

The average elevation of the surface of the State is 650 feet above 
the sea. 

These three divisions of the State differ in soil and climate, and, 
to some extent, in productions, as we shall have occasion to note 



[95] GEOEGIA — FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 7 

more particularly hereafter, when we come to treat of those sev- 
eral topics. 

CLIMATE. 

In nothing regarding us, is a greater mistake made atroad and 
indeed, in some parts of our own country, than in the climate, or 
atmospheric conditions, of Georgia. The State being in the south- 
ern portion of the Union, lying between parallels of latitudes 30°, 
39^, 27^^ (average) and 35°, the stranger naturally concludes that 
our climate is mild and delightful in Winter; and in this he is cor- 
rect. We have but little snow— in more than half the States none 
at all for years together— we import or manufacture all our ice, 
and field work may be kept up at all periods of the year. 
The difficulty with strangers is in determning the charac- 
ter of our climate during the summer months. The winters 
being pleasant and genial, they conclude, without further investi- 
gation, that the summers must necessarily be hot and sultry. 
This is a serious mistake, as all will testify who have any prac- 
tical knowledge of the subject. No finer summer climate is to be 
found on the continent, east of the Mississippi river, than that of 
many parts of Georgia, and, as a whole, it will compare favorably 
in this respect with that of the States of the north and northwest. 
Carefully conducted observations, year after year, shows that the 
mean annual temperature of the city of Atlanta, our State Capita], 
is the same with that of Washington City, Louisville, Kentucky, 
and St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, which are from 800 to 880 
miles further north. The mean annual temperature south of a 
line drawn across the State from Augusta to Columbus, is between 
64° and 68°; between the same line and another parallel to it, and 
running twenty miles south of Atlanta, we have a mean annual 
temperature between 60° and 64°; in another strip of territory in- 
eluding Atlanta, we have a mean temperature the year round of 
between 56° and 60°. In that we have described as Upper Geor- 
gia, it is between 52° and 56°, while in the mountains it is below 
52°. The mean of Gainesville, in Hall countj^, and of Clarksville 
and Mount Airy, in Habersham county, corresponds with that of 
Central Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Upper Misouri and Lower Ne- 
braska. We refer to the map of the State for a better understand- 
ing of the several localities above referred to, as well as the sig- 
nificance of the figures given in this connection. We have the 
winter climate of Rome, and the summer climate of Jerusalem. 

SOILS AND PRODUCTIONS. 
The soils of Georgia are among the very best of the older States ; 
in virgin fertility she surpassed them all, as is evidenced by her 
rapid settlement from other States upon the extinguishment of the 



8 DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTUEE GEORGIA. [96] 

Indian title to the lands. Injudicious cultivation, in the haste to 
get rich, has done much, in past years, to impair and waste their 
strength ; but wiser views are now obtaining, and with systems of 
culture greatly improved, production is steadily increasing without 
material addition to the population. 

The soils of Georgia are as various as the elements of rocks, and 
the vegetable and animal remains that compose them. 

In Upper Georgia, or the northern-most division of the State, the 
soil is a mixture of clay and sand. In the western half of this sec- 
tion there is a large admixture of lim'^, and the clay is generally 
red, with here and there a yellowish brown or drab. In the 
eastern half, the clay is altogether reddish, and the soil not calca- 
reous. The valley and coves of both are very rich and productive, 
while the hill-sides yield generously to judicious cultivation. 
There are many fine farms on the very summit of the Blue Ridge 
and Lookout range of mountains. 

The chief agricultural productions of Upper Georgia are Indian 
corn or maize, wheat, barley, rye, oats, potatoes, sorghum and all 
the grasses, including clover. Its wheat, with that of Middle 
Georgia, is considered the heaviest and best grown in the Union, 
and always commands a premium in the Northern markets. All 
the grains mentioned grow to great perfection, and the yield of bay, 
where proper attention is given that crop, is very large. The 
soil and climate are also admirably adapted to tobacco, though it 
has not, up to this time, received that, attention as a crop that it 
deserves. Many good judges consider Upper Georgia, in this re- 
spect, superior to either Virginia or North Carolina, as the soil is 
not only suitable, but the season for planting is much earlier, and 
of growth longer, enabling the farmer to gather a second crop 
from the same plants. Until a very recent date, this section of the 
State was regarded as unsuited to the successful cultivation of cot- 
ton, but the introduction of commercial fertilizers, the effect of 
which is to hasten growth and maturity and increase production, 
has broughi about quite a revolution as regards the great staple. 
It is now being successfully grown, in considerable quantities, as 
far north as the Tennessee line. As evidence of the rapid increase 
in the production of cotton in this section, we may mention the 
fact that the city of Atlanta, whose trade in that commodity ten 
years ago was so inconsiderable as scarcely to have a place in the 
local market reports, had received, up to the first of April of the 
present year (1878), or in seven out of the twelve cotton months, 
98,000 bales, grown almost exclusively in Upper Georgia. Hemp, 
flax and jute may also be grown with profit. During a good part 
of the year tbe mountains afford the finest range for cattle, sheep 



[97] GEOEGIA FKOM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 9 

and goats, whilst hogs keep fat in the fall and early winter months 
on the masts of nuts and acorns. All the varieties of vegetables 
flourish in this part of the State. The fruits that thrive best are 
the apple, the pear, the cherry, the plum and the grape; also the 
raspberry and strawberry. The last mentioned may be said to 
grow equally well in every part of the State. The spring and 
well water of this section is unsurpassed in any part of the world. 

The surface of Middle Georgia is rolling, and the soil generally 
red, with here and there a liberal admixture of gray, and very 
strong and productive. All things considered, this is regarded as 
the most desirable portion of the State, if not of the South. It is 
the great cotton section, or the section where the soil will yield a 
greater amount of fruit than a like area of equal fertility in 
any other part of the State. Indian corn, wheat, barlej^, rye — in- 
deed, all the cereal crops— are cultivated, and yield in their great- 
est abundance. Even the oldest lands of this section recuperate 
rapidly under good treatment, and are soon restored to their orig- 
inal fertility. Improved systems of culture are obtaining very 
generally throughout this part of the State, which is the most pop- 
ulous of the three great divisions, and, as a consequence, produc- 
tion is progressive. Of fruits, the apple, pear, peach, fig, grape, 
melons, and indeed every variety, other than tropical, are grown 
with the greatest success. The finest peaches in the world grow 
in this section and in the northern portion of Lower Georgia, and 
large quantities are shipped annually to the northern cities. 
Melons, also, are grown to great perfection, and constitute quite 
an important item of the commerce of this section. The forests 
and abandoned fields abound in nuts and berries in large variety, 
furnished by nature without care or cultivation. Dried fruits are 
becoming an important item in the exports from this section. 

It may be said with truth that no country in the world oflers 
greater natural advantages than this middle section of Georgia. 
Embracing a territory about two hundred miles in length from 
east to west, and one hundred broad from north to south, inter- 
sected by numerous rivers and smaller water courses, the amount 
of water power available for manufacturing purposes is incacula- 
ble. It constitutes the heart of the cotton region, and the mate- 
rial is consequently at hand to be worked into the various fabrics. 
Ten railroads cross it in various directions, so that transportation 
is all that could be desired. Its drinking water is excellent, and 
its health uninterrupted throughout the year. 

Southern, or Lower Georgia, consists chieflv of sandy, pine land, 
with occasional belts of oak and hickory, and where these occur 
the soil has a considerable mixture of reddish or light-brown clay, 



10 DEPARTMENT OF AGKICULTUR GEORGIA. [98] 

and is very productive. The lands generally are light and easy of 
cultivation, and while some portions, especially those on the water 
courses of the southwest and the red lands above referred to, are 
very rich, nearly the whole is tillable, and, with occasional light 
manuring, continue to produce good crops from j^ear to year. It 
is, as a general rule, sparsely settled, and the lands are the cheapest 
in the State. The leading field products are cotton, sugar cane, 
corn, rice, oats, potatoes and fiield peas. The country being open, 
and the pasturage good throughout the year, large numbers of beef 
cattle and sheep are raised annually for market, at a cost purely 
nominal, as they require neither to be fed nor sheltered. Wool 
forms quite an item in the list of its exports ; near 75,000 pounds 
were cleared at the custom-house in Brunswick alone during the 
past j^ear. 

Cotton is produced generally throughout the section — the sea- 
island, or long staple variety, in the counties bordering on Florida 
and along the coast. This class of cotton is used in the manufac- 
ture ©f the finer fabrics, and in combination with silk, but is less 
cultivated than in former years, the demand for it having been 
lessened by the improvement in the staple and quality of the com- 
mon cotton, and in the machinery for its manufacture. 

The cotton crop of Georgia averages a little over 500,000 bales, or 
about 225,000,000 pounds, worth, at ten cents per pound, $22,500,000. 

The rice lands lie chiefly on the tide water, and are among the 
most valuable and productive on the southern coast. Considerable 
rice is also grown, cbiefiy for home consumption, on inland swamps 
and low lands in Middle as well as in Lower Georgia, though the 
rice that enters into commerce comes chiefly from the country 
along the coast. 

Sugar cane is also an important crop of Southern Georgia, and 
could be made among the most profitable. It grows luxuriantly, 
and yields profitable returns in sugar and syrup. Yet, but little 
sugar is made for market, the planters usually confining themselves 
to a sufficiency for home demand, and relying chiefly upon the 
syrup as a marketable crop. To show the capacity of the soil 
under high culture, we mention one instance among the many of 
equal production that are well vouched for. In 1874, Mr. John J. 
Parker, of Thomas county, produced, on one acre, 694] gallons of 
cane syrup, worth seventy-five cents per gallon, or $520.87. The 
total cost of production was $77.50, leaving a net profit of $443.37. 

This section of the State also produces an excellent quality of 
light tobacco, such as is manufactured into cigars, though the 
plant will eventually run into the heavy leaf unless the seed are 
renewed annually from the West Indies. 



]99] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 11 

Notwithstanding the variety of soils and climates, vegetables of 
every description do well in all parts of the State; but it is chiefly 
in the section along the coast that they are raised for distant 
markets. Most of the varieties maturing here in early spring, be- 
fore the seeds are planted in the Northern States of the Union, 
they command a good price in consequence, and the producers 
realize large profits from their business. In the spring of 1877 
there were shipped to the Northern markets, from the port of 
Savannah alone, 23,284 packages of fruit, 20,405 packages of vegeta- 
ble and 26,345 melons. 

Of the fruits of this section, melons, strawberries, grapes and 
some oranges, are those chiefly cultivated for market. The fig and 
grape grow to great perfection, and the orange, lemon, lime 
banana, pomegranate, of the tropical fruits, succceed well where 
attention has been given to their cultivation. Some varieties Of 
the pear also thrive well in this section of the State. The Scup- 
pernong grape arrows in its greatest perfection ; the crops are very 
heavy, and the fruit sweeter than that grown in more northern 
latitudes. 

Lower Georgia is said to resemble, in soil and climate, those por- 
tions of Prussia that lie in the vicinity of the caj^ital. The soil is, 
however, in its natural state, far more productive, and conse- 
quently requires less labor and expense to be kept in good planting 
condition. Although generally sandy, it has a good clay founda- 
tion, or subsoil, fr om six to twelve inches below the surface, which 
enables it to retain fertilizers and hold them as plant food. 

CAPACITY OF GEORGIA SOIL UNDER HIGH CULTURE. 

The various agricultural products common to Georgia having 
been given with some minuteness in the chapter on Soils and Pro- 
ductions, we proceed to give the results of a number of experiments 
in the cultivation of those products, in each of those divisions, 
conducted with proper preparation and fertilization — such as are 
given in the more densely settled porti' ns of the world. As but 
little is accomplished by inadequate means in any department of 
human industry, the actual producing capacity of a country can 
only be tested by the results of judicious culture. The crops, to 
which we shall refer, were reported to the various State and county 
fairs within the past few years, and both the culture and its results 
were verified by the affidavits of disinterested parties. 

In 1873, Mr. R. H. Hardaway produced, on upland, in Thomas 
county, (Lower Georgia) 119 bushels of Indian corn on one acre, 
which yielded a net profit of $77.17. 

In the same county, the same year, Mr. E. T. Davis produced 



12 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE — GEORGIA. [100] 

96J bushels of rust-proof oats per acre. After the oats were har- 
vested he planted the same land in cotton, and in the fall gathered 
800 pounds of seed cotton. 

Mr. John J. Parker, of the same county, produced, in 1874, on 
one acre, 694^ gallons of cane syrup, at a cost of .177.50. The syrup, 
at 75 cents per gallon, the market price, brought $520.87— net profit 
from one acre, $443,37. 

In 1874, Mr. Wiley W. Groover, of Brooks county, (Lower 
Georgia) produced, with two horses, on a farm of 126.^ acres, with- 
out the aid of commercial fertilizers, cotton, corn, oats, peas, sugar 
cane and potatoes to the value of $3,258.25. The total cost of pro- 
duction was $1,045.00, leaving net proceeds of crop, $2,213.25. The 
stock raised on the farm was not counted. 

Joseph Hodges, of the same county, produced, on one acre, 2,700 
pounds of seed cotton ; Wm. Borden, 600 gallons of syrup ; J. 
Bower, 500 bushels of sweet potatoes ; J. O. Morton, 75 bushels oats. 
Mr. T. W. Jones made 12 barrels, or 480 gallons of syrup on one 
acre, and isaved enough cane for seed. 

In Bulloch county, (Lower Georgia) 3,500 pounds seed cotton 
were produced by Samuel Groover, and in the same county 21 
barrels sugar at one time, and 700 gallons syrup at another, per 
acre. 

In Clay county, Mr. Hodge produced from one acre, a few 

years ago, 4,500 pounds of seed cotton. 

Mr J. R. Respass, of Schley county, gathered the present year 
(1878) a little upwards of 500 bushels of oats from five acres. 

Mr. J. R. Respass, of Schley county, (Lower Georgia) in 1877, by 
the use of fertilizers, grew on five acres of naturally poor land, 
15,000 pounds of seed cotton, which netted him when sold •; 66.02 
per acre. 

Mr. H. T. Peeples, of Berrien county, reports to this Department 
a crop of 800 bushels of sweet potatoes grown on one acre of pine 
land. 

In 1876, Mr. G. J. Drake, of Spalding county, (Middle Georgia) 
produced 74 bushels of corn on one acre of land. 

Mr John Bonner, of Carroll county, made three bales of cotton 
(500 pounds each) on one acre. Mr. R. H. Springer, of the same 
countj^, produced nine bales from five acres, without manures, and 
ninety-four bales from 100 acres, by the use of fertilizers. 

In 1873, Mr. S. W. Leak, of the same county, produced on one 
acre 40^ bushels of wheat, worth |80.50; cost $14.50— net profit 
$66.00. 

In Wilkes county 123 bushels corn were produced on one acre of 
bottom land; also 42 bushels Irish potatoes on one-tenth acre, the 



[101] GEOEGIA FEOM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 13 

second crop same j-ear on same land; the first crop very fine but 
not so good. 

Mr. J. F. Madden, of the same county, produced, in 1876, on one 
acre, 137 bushels of oats. 

Mr. T. C. Warthen, of Washington county, (on the line of Mid- 
dle and Lower Georgia) produced in 1873, on 1.1125 acres, 6,917 
pounds of seed cotton, equivalent to five bales of 461 pounds each 
worth, at 17J cents per pound— the average price of that year— 
$403.37. The cost of culture was $148.58; net profit, $254.79, for a 
very small fraction over one acre. 

Dr. Wm. Jones, of Burke county, produced 480 gallons syrup on 
one acre. Wesley Jones, of the same county, produced three 
bales of cotton, 500 pounds each, per acre. Jas. J. Davis, in same 
county, made, in 1877, with two mules, thirty-four bales of cotton, 
500 pounds each, 600 bushels corn, and 300 bushels oats. Wm. C. 
Palmer, of same county, made, in 1877, with one mule, twenty- 
five bales of cotton, 500 pounds each, and a fair crop of corn. 
Henry Miller, of same county, produced, in 1877, sixty-five bushels 
corn per acre, first year, on reclaimed swamp, without manures. 

Mr. II. M. Brooks, of Pike county, (Middle Georgia) produced, 
in 1873, on five acres of bottom land, 500 bushels of rice. The total 
cost was $75— net profit, $300. 

Mr. R. B. Baxter, of Hancock county, (Middle Georgia) in 1872, 
harvested at the first cutting, first year's crop, 4,862 pounds of dry 
clover hay per acre. 

Mr. A. J. Preston, of Crawford county, gathered, from one acre 
of Flint river bottom, 4,000 pounds seed cotton^ and from another, 
on same place, 115 bushels corn. 

Dr. T. P. Janes, of Greene county, (Middle Georgia) produced, 
in 1871, five tons of clover hay per acre, in one season, at two cut- 
tings. 

Mr. Patrick Long, of Bibb county, (on the line of Middle and 
Lower Georgia) harvested from one acre of land, from which he 
had gathered a crop of cabbages in June of the same year, 8,646 
pounds of native crab-grass hay. 

Mr. S. W. Leak, in Spalding county, (Middle Georgia) gathered, 
in the fall of 1873, from one acre, from which he had harvested 
forty bushels of wheat in June, 10,720 pounds of pea-vine hay. 
Net profit from wheat, §66 ; from pea-vine hay, f 233.08, making- 
in one year from a single acre, a net profit of $299.08. 

Mr. William Smith, of Coweta county, (Middle Georgia) pro- 
duced 2,200 pounds seed cotton per acre on ten acres. 

Mr. Edward Camp, of the same county, produced 1,000 bushels 
oats from ten acres. 



14 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [102] 

Mr. J. T. Manley of Spalding county, (Middle Georgia) produced 
115 bushels of oats from one acre. 

Mr. S. W. Bloodwortb, of the same county, gathered, in 1870, 
137 bushels of corn from one acre. 

Mr. L. B. Willis, in Greene county, (Middle Georgia) in June, 
1873, from one acre and a third, harvested twenty bushels of wheat, 
and the following October, 27,130 pounds of corn forage. From the 
forage alone he received a profit of $159.22 per acre. 

Dr. W. Moody of the same county, harvested, at one cutting, 
from one acre of river bottom, in 1874, 13,953 pounds of Bermuda 
grass hay ; cost, $12.87, value of hay, |209.29, net profit, |196.42. 

Mr. J. R. Winters, of Cobb county, (Upper Georgia) produced, 
in 1873, from 1.15 acres, 6,575 pounds of dry clover hay at the first 
cutting of the second year's crop. 

Mr. T. H. Moore, of same county, produced on one acre 105 
bushels of corn, while Mr. Jeremiah Daniel produced 125 bushels, 

Mr. R. Peters, Jr., of Gordon county, (Upper Georgia) Iiarvested, 
in 1874, from three acres of lucerne, four years old, fourteen tons 
and 200 pounds of hay, or 9,400 pounds per acre. 

Capt. C. W. Howard produced, on Lookout Mountain, in Walker 
county, (Upper Georgia) in 1874, on one acre of uumanured land,, 
which cost him twenty-five cents per acre, with one hoeing and 
plowing, 108J bushels of Irish potatoes, which he sold in Atlanta 
at a net profit of $97.25. On land manured and better prepared 
and worked, double that quantity could be produced. 

Mr. Thomas Smith, of Cherokee county, produced 104 bushels 
of corn from one acre. 

Mr. John Dyer, of Bibb county, produced, in 1873, from one. acre, 
at a cost of $8.00, 398.7 bushels of sweet potatoes, which he sold at 
a net profit of $290.92. 

Mr. Haddon P. Redding, of Fulton county, in 1877, produced 
from one acre 400 bushels of St. Domingo yam potatoes, which he 
readily sold in Atlanta at an average price of $1.00 a bushel. 

These instances of production are exceptional, and far beyond 
the usual results of farming in our Stale ; but they serve to show 
the capacity of our soil when properly fertilized, and cultivated 
with intelligence under the guidance of science. It will not be de- 
nied, however, that what the parties named have accomplished 
on a limited scale, may be done by others on still larger areas, and 
with corresponding results. 

METALS AND MINERALS OF GEORGIA. 

It is conceded by all who have any adequate information on the 
subject, that the mineral resources of Georgia, in extent and value, 
are unsurpassed, if equalled, by those of any other American State. 



[103] GEOKGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-rOINT. 15 

The variety and richness of her ores, and other natural products 
of a kindred nature, are facts which, in their full force, have lain 
buried beneath the earth's surface until recent scientific explora- 
tions under the direction of the state government, brought them to 
the light. It being impossible, without too great elaboration, to go 
through the long catalogue of specimens thai lie exposed to view 
on the shelves of our Geological Museum, we shall confine our ob- 
servations to a few leading products, which will fully establish the 
position that, to the miner, no country on the globe presents ad- 
vantages superior to those of Georgia. 

Gold.— It is impossible to estimate the true value of this inter- 
est, and all calculations must be based upon the actual production 
of the mines in the past, and indications of the i)resence of that 
precious metal as they aj^pear to the scientific eye. These are the 
only reliable data, and we shall limit our remarks to what they 
will fully justify. 

Dr. George Little, State Geologist, after a thorough exploration 
of the auriferous region, declares as his conviction, that, all things 
considered^ Georgia, as a gold-mining region, offers inducements 
equal to those of California. We quote his remarks on this point, 
as they are both full and interesting. He says : 

" But you must remember that this is not the best point that ib 
offered by our North Georgia mines. You see it is not the quan- 
tity of gold that makes a section valuable to miners. It is the 
facility with which the ore is mined ; it is the ease with which it 
can be sent to market ; it is the cheapness of labor ; it is the near- 
ness of timber and water courses ; it is the healthfuluess of the 
climate and the facility with which provisions may be procured* 
In all these points Georgia excels. A ton of ore in the Black Hills, 
of twice the richness, is not worth as much as a tjpn of ore in Geor- 
gia. A mine of enormous richness is of little value if it is in the 
heai't of an impenetrable or dangerous or malarious region. Lumps 
of gold might exist at the north pole without being of any practi- 
cal value. There are scientists who beheve that great masses of 
this precious metal are to be found at the centre of the earth. Of 
what account is it, however, to us? 

'*Now, the gold of North Georgia is in a perfectly accessible 
region. It is penetrated by first-class railways, and by short and 
reliable hack lines. Every part of it is civilized, and convenient 
to cities. And better |than all, the gold lies near to the surface, 
and is easily reached by the miner. The timber needed to run the 
furnaces is right at hand, and procurable cheap. The climate is 
the best in the world, and is a famous resort for invalids. The 
water courses that pour down the hills give the best possible power, 



16 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUEE — GEORGIA. [104] 

It is necessary to transport only a short distance, while in Califor- 
nia it is frequently carried fifty and one hundred miles. Labor is 
cheap and easily procurable. In fact, all the elements of cheap 
working for gold appear to be united in this section . 

"The greatest advantage, however, is in the fact that most of 
the ore in North Georgia is partially decomposed, and is worked 
with great facility. Where you would have to blast the quartz in 
California, you can work it with a pick, or even a shovel. Conse- 
quently, ore that is much poorer than the California ore can be 
mined here at a profit, while there it would involve a loss. It 
does look as if nature had conspired to put the enormous amount 
of gold in North peorgia in che hands of the miner. 

"Besides the above advantages, it is very rich — as rich as any 
ore to be found anywhere." 

Such is the testimony of an intelligent and disinterested officer 
of the government, who owns not a toot of our gold territory, nor 
a share in our mines. 

The gold belt of Georgia is about one hundred miles in breadth, 
with barren intervals here and there. It lies northeast and south- 
west across the entire northern and part of the eastern section of 
the State, and loses itself in the eastern portion of Alabama. It 
extends through a large number of counties. It has been found as 
low as Columbia county, in the eastern portion of Middle Georgia, 
and as far north and west as Fannin county, which borders on the 
State of Tennessee. But few mines have been developed in Col- 
umbia and Lincoln counties, but they are claimed to be among the 
richest in the State. A vein near Goshen, in die latter county, is 
said to be yielding at the present time, $1,000 per month at a cost 
of but $115. That portion of intermediate territory which is 
barren of gold, is comparatively small, being much less than 
one-half of the whole. While many very rich and profitable 
mines have been opened in the lower portion of the belt, the 
greater proportion of the mining has been done in the northern or 
mountainous section, especially in the counties of Lumpkin, 
White, Union, Dawson and Cherokee. 

POPULATION. 

The population of Georgia, as stated in the census of 1870— the 
last taken— numbers 1,184,109. Of these 637,926 are white, and 
595,192 black and mulatto. The white population of the coast 
country are the decendants of original settlers from England 
Scotland and the German speaking nations of Europe, wich a con- 
siderable admixture of families from the Northern States of the 
American Union. Middle Georgia was settled chiefly by immi- 



[105] GEORCtIA FKOM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 17 



Upper Georgia, whose settlement is of a very recent date, the in- 
habitants came chiefly from Tennessee and North and South Car- 
olina. 

HEALTH. 

The idea obtains, among those who have not taken the trouble 
to inform themselves on the subject, that Georgia, because she is 
a Southern State, has an unwholesome atmosphere, making health 
insecure within her borders. This objection we have somewhat 
anticipated in our remarks on climate. There could be no greater 
error, as a comparison of vital statistics will abundantly show. 
The health of Georgia will average quite as well as that of any 
State in the Union. Our citizens of Northern nativity will sus- 
tain us in this declaration. The great diversity of climate, result- 
ing from a gradual elevation from the seacoast to the Piedmont 
country, amounting to from 1,600 to 1,800 feet, precludes the idea 
of a malarious country. In the low country, immediately along 
the lines of rivers and swamps, it is conceded that the atmosphere 
is impure, and that such districts are subject to remittent and in- 
termittent fevers during the summer and fall months ; these, how-* 
ever, aregenerally of a mild type, and readily yield to proper med- 
ical treatment. But, owing to the favorable face of the country 
in this section of the State, being plentifully supplied with hills 
and highlands, even those who cultivate the swamps and river 
bottoms can fix their residences in the vicinity, where they will 
not be exposed to their malarial influences. And these influences 
are being rapidly annihilated year after year, by draining and 
reducing to dry culture the swamps, which, when thus reclaimed 
become both harmless and among the most productive lands in 
the State. There are large districts that were considered next to 
uniniiabitable thirty years ago from this cause, but which are now 
filled with a thriving population, who find no difficulty in resid- 
ing in them the year round. 

These latter remarks apply exclusively to the Southern division 
of the State ; in Middle and Upper Georgia, the atmosphere is as 
pure and wholesome, and the health of the inhabitants as perfect 
and uninterrupted, as on any portion of the continent. Indeed, 
f lese sections, especially the latter, are favorite resorts of invalids 
and pleasure-seekers during the summer and early fall months, 
from all parts of the South ; while the pine lands of Southern 
Georgia are aimually visited in winter by large numbers from the 
Northern States suffering from pulmonary afl'ectioos, rheumatism, 
etc. Consumption is a disease almost unknown in Georgia, except 
when imported from other States. In Middle and Northern Geor- 
2 



18 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTC'RE GEORG-IA. [106] 

gia are to be found all our medicinal springs and watering 
places, and thousands annually throng to them in search of health 
or recreation. Under a theory that has obtained much favor 
among medical men of late years, that weak or diseased lungs 
require light and pure, rather than warm air, the direction of 
pulmonary invalids has been considerably changed from the semi- 
tropical to the Piedmont region, during the winter months. The 
town of Marietta, in Cobb county, 1,132 feet above the sea, has for 
years been resorted to by this class of invalids, while the hotel at 
Mt. Airy, in Habersham county, 1,588 feet above the sea, was well 
patronized during the past winter by consumptives, and with 
happy results. 

For the information of those who object to Georgia on the score 
of latitude and its supposed unhealthiness, we would institute a 
single, but most striking comparison : The State of Michigan, in 
the extreme Northern portion of the Union, and bordering on 
Canada, with an atmosphere purified by perpetual breezes frona 
the surrounding lakes, is esteemed to be one of the healthiest 
States in the Union. Her population and that of Georgia, accord- 
ing to the last census, approximate so closely that there is a differ- 
ence of hut iust ffty souls, and the vital statistics of the two States, 
respectively, show that their death rates are about the same. It 
is difficult to answer such facts and figures as these, and igno- 
rance and prejudice must give way to truth founded on actual 

experience. 

EDUCATIOK 

Every man who has a proper regard for the welfare of his pos- 
terity, in selecting a home for himself and family, will be influ- 
enced, in a large measure, by the facilities which it offers for the 
education of his children. In this respect, also, Georgia presents 
peculiar advantages, such as are enjoyed to a very limited extent 
in newly-settled countries, and superior, in all respects to those of 
the other Southern States of the Union. To elaborate her system 
would require a volume, and we shall only glance at its various 
features. 

The University of Georgia, located at Athens, in Clark 
county, was incorporated and endowed by a donation of public 
lands, 40,000 acres, in the year 1784, or soon after the province was 
organized as a State. It has a permanent endowment of |370,- 
552.17. It has five Educational Departments, thirteen professors, 
and over two hundred students. The Curriculum of studies is 
thorough. It admits "fifty meritorious young men of limited 
means," and "young men who design to enter the ministry, of any 
religious denomination," free of charge for tuition. The college 
libraries contain about 20,000 volumes. 



107] GEOEGTA — FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 19 

Connected with the University is the State College of Agricul- 
ture and the Mchanic Arts, with its Experimental Farm and 
Workshops. It has three departments, viz : Agriculture, Eogin- 
eering and Applied Cheniistr3^, each with a regular course. The 
tuition in this school is made free to as many young men of the 
State as there are representatives (175) and senators (44) in tiie 
Legislature, and the students of both the University proper and 
the Agricultural and Mechanical Schools have, each, free admis- 
son to the instruction given in the other. 

There are, also, a Law School, at Athens, and a Medical School 
at Augusta, connected with the State University. 

The North Georgia Agricultural College, at Dahlonega, Lump- 
kin county, at which near three hundred students are now being 
educated free of charge, is also attached to the State University 
and governed by the same board of trustees. It is proposed to es- 
tablish a similar school at a point more convenient than either 
Athens or Dahlonega to pupils residing in the southern half of the 
State, and it will no doubt be carried into effect at some future day. 
Military tactics are taught both at Athens and Dahlonega as apart 
of the regular course, and competent professors are provided in 
tijal department. 

Mercek University is located at Macon, Bibb county, was 
established by the Baptist church, and is wholly under the control 
of that denomination of Christians. It has nine professors, and 
the course of instruction is thorough. Attached to it are a Law 
and a Theological Department, at Macon, and Preparatory schools 
at Penfield, in Green county, and at Dalton, in Whitfield county. 
Its libraries, contain about 12,000 volumes ; the buildings and 
grounds cost $150,000 ; endowment, $160,000. The institution enjoys 
a large patronage, a considerable portion of which is received 
from other denominations. 

Emory College, at Oxford, Newton county, belongs to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is the joint property of 
the North Georgia, South Georgia, and Florida Conferences. Like 
the other colleges of the State, it is well supplied with apparatus 
has a good library, and is well patronized. 

Pio NoNO College, at Macon, as its name imports, is a Roman 
Catholic institution, but recently established. It is well supported 
by our citizens of that religious faith, and bids fair to rank well 
among Georgia's institutions of learning. 

To the above may be added the Atlanta University^ established 
by northern donations for the education of the blacks, male and 
female, and supported, in part, by appropriations from the State 
Treasury. Its course of instruction, classical and mathematical, 



20 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [108] 

is very thorough. It has 4 professors, 9 teachers, a good library, 
and the classes of 1877-78 numbered, in the aggregate— 

Female Colleges,— For the education of females in the higher 
branches, we have a number of colleges, well distributed over the 
State, We mention the Wesleyan Female College, at Macon, 
the first female college ever established in Georgia ; Cher- 
okee Baptist Female College, at Rome ; Southern Masonic 
Female College, at Covington ; Rome Female College, at 
Rome ; Dalton Female College, at Dalton ; Houston Female Col- 
lege, at Perry ; Conyers Female College ; Young Female College 
at Thomasville ; Andrew Female College, at Cathbert ; Monroe 
Female College, at Forsyth ; Gordon Institute, at Barnesville ; 
Gainesville College, at Gainesville ; Le Vert Female College, at 
Talbotton ; La Grange Female College and Southern Female Col- 
lege, at La Grange ; Furlow Masonic Female College, at Americus, 
and West Point Female College. Nearly all these institutions are 
flourishing, and turning out annually, in the aggregate, large num- 
bers of well-educated and well-mannered young women to adorn 
and elevate societ^^ 

Besides these, tiiere are large numbers of high schools, both 
male and female, very many of them ranking among the bes 
institutions of learning in the South. 

Kor is Georgia unmindful of her unfortunate children whom 
nature has stinted in the bestowment of her gifts ; nor has she 
been niggardly in providing for their wants in this respect, and 
in making them useful to themselves and to others. Large and 
costly edifices have been erected by the State for the care and 
education of the blind, and of the deaf and dumb— for the former 
at Macon, and for the latter at Cave Spring, in Floyd county. 
Both these unfortunate classes are taught not only in the learning 
of the schools, but also those useful occupations which render 
them measurably independent. 

PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM. 

The Common Schools of Georgia form, by far the most interest- 
ing feature of her educational system. Recognizing the great 
moral and political truth that intelligence and virtue form the ba- 
sis of all good government, the people of Georgia have inserted in 
their Constitution, or fundamental law, a provision declaring that 
"there shall be a thorough system of common schools for the edu- 
cation of children," which "shall be free to all the children of the 
State," the expenses of which "shall be provided for by taxation, 
or otherwise." In accordance with this constitutional provision, 
the necessary laws have been passed, and the system referred to is 
now in successful and beneficent operation, the whites and the 
blacks being educated in separate schools. The State appropriates 



[109] GEORGIA — FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 21 

aDuually, for the support of these free schools, about $300,000, and 
this sum is supplemented each year by local, city and county ap- 
propriations to the amount of between |140,000 and $150,000. The 
number of pupils in actual attendance on these shools last year 
(1877), was in round numbers, 191,000, of whom 127,000 were whites 
and 64,000 blacks. The progressive interest in, and usefulness of, 
the system are illustrated by the statistics of attendance from year 
to year. In 1871, but seven years ago, when it was put in opera- 
tion, the number of cliildren taught was but 49,578—42,914 whites 
and 6,664 blacks. In 1874 the number had increased to 145,541, in 
1876, to 179,405; and in 1877, to upwards of 190,100. 

The Common School organization extends to every county in the 
State, and includes every district or subdivision of the counties 
where the population is sufficiently numerous to admit of a school; 
so that tliere is scarcely a child in Georgia who is not within reach 
of a school where a good education can be obtained free of ex- 
pense. 

In fine, it may be said with truth that, as respects educational 
facilities and their adaptation to the public wants, the State of 
Georgia is in advance of all her sister Southern States; while, in 
this respect, she is progressing year after year, and will soon stand 
side by side with the older and more favored commonwealths of 
the North. 

KELIGION. 

The laws of Georgia guarantee to the citizen perfect freedom of 
religious opinion and worship, and there is no political or civil dis- 
qualification on account of religious belief. Every denomination 
is not only tolerated, but protected, in the free enjoyment of faith 
and worship. As a necessary consequence, there is a complete 
seperation of Church and State, both by law and practically. Each 
moves in its appropriate sphere, and neither is allowed to en- 
croach on the other. 

GOVERNMENT OF GEORGIA. 

The government of Georgia, in common with that of all the 
States of the American Union, is a Representative Democracy. 
All officers are chosen directly by the people, or by persons to 
whom the people, from motives of public policy or convenience, 
have delegated the power of election. 

QuATiiFiCATiON OF VOTERS. — The Constitution of Georgia pro- 
vides that every male citizen of the United States (except idiots, 
lunatics, and persons convicted, in any court of competent juris- 
diction, of treason against the State, embezzlement of public funds, 
malfeasance in office, bribery, larceny, or of any crime punishable 



22 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE — GEORGIA. [HO] 

by imprisonment in the penitentiary), who is twenty-one years of 
age, who shall have resided in this State one year next preceding 
the election, and six months in the county in which he offers to 
vote, and who shall have paid all taxes that have been legally 
required of him, and which he has had an opportunit;y of paying, 
except for the year of the election, shall be deemed an elector, or 
person qualified to vote at all general elections. 
NATURALIZATION. 
The acts of Congress provide that an alien may become a citizen 
of the United States on the following conditions : 

1. He shall declare on oath, before a Circuit or District Court of 
the United States, or a District or Supreme Court of the Territories, 
or a court of record in any of the States having common law juris- 
diction and a seal and clerk, two years, at least, prior to his ad- 
mission, that it is bona fide his intention to become a citizen of 
the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidel- 
ity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, 
particularly, by name, to the prince, potentate, state or sovereignty 
of which the alien may be at the time a citizen or subject. 

2. At the time of making this application, he must take an oath 
before the same court to support the Constitution of the United 
States, and that he entirely renounces and abjures all allegiance 
and fidelity to any foreign i^rince, potentate, etc. 

8. At the time of admission he must prove, to the satisfaction 
of the court, by testimony other than his own, that he has resided 
in the United States five years at least ; that during that time he 
has maintained a good moral character, and that he is attached to 
the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well 
disposed to the good order and preservation of the same. He must 
also renounce any hereditary title, or order of nobility, that he may 
have borne, if any, previous to his admission to citizenship. 

4. If the alien be under twenty-one years of age, and has re- 
sided in the United States three years previous to his arrival at 
that age, if he subsequently apply for admission, the three years of 
his minority will be counted in estimating his five years of resi- 
dence, and he will be allowed to make the foregoing declarations 
and oath at the time of his admission. 

5. The minor children, or those under twenty-one years of age, 
of persons who have been duly naturalized, if dwelling in the 
United States, are held and considered as citizens thereof. 

6. By special act of congress, passed July 17, 1862, any alien of 
the age of twenty-one years, and upwards, who has enlisted, or 
may enlist, in the armies of the United States, either the regular, 



[Ill] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 23 

or the volunteer forces, and has been, or may be hereafter, honor- 
ably discharged, shall be admitted to citizenship upon his petition 
without any previous declaration of his intention, and upon proof 
of only one year's residence in the United States previous to his 
application to become a citizens, of his good moral character, and 
that such person has been honorably discharged from the service 
of the United States. 

7. Seamen who have served three years on any merchant vessel 
of the United States, after making a declaration of their intention, 
shall be entitled to become citizens upon apx^lication, and the pro- 
duction of a certificate of discharge and good conduct during that 
time, together with a certificate of their declaration of intention 
to become citizens. 

Aliens, the subjects of governments at peace with the United 
States and this State, so long as their governments remain at 
peace, shall be entitled to all the rights of citizens of other States 
resident in this State, and shall have the privilege of purchasing, 
holding, and conveying real estate in this State. 

This gives to aliens or unnaturalized subjects of foreign govern- 
ments, whether resident or not, so long as their governments con- 
tinue at peace with the United States and this State, all rights 
enjoyed bs citizens of this State, except the right to vote and hold 
office, and to perform such civil functions as are confined by 
law to citizens of this State, 



24 DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTUKE GEORGIA. [^ 12] 

LIST OF NEWSPAPERS, ETC., PUBLISHED IN GEORGIA. 

NAME. ADDRESS. 

Berrien County News (weekly). ..Alapaha, Berrien county 

Advertiser (weekly) Albany. 

News (weekly) " 

Sumter Republican (semi-weekly) Americus. 

Recorder (weekly) '* 

Southern Watchman (weekly) Athens. 

Southern Cultivator (monthly) *' 

Southern Banner (weekly) '' 

Weekly Chronicle (weekly) '' 

Atlanta Constitution (daily) Atlanta. 

Evening Post .....(daily) " 

Evening Dispatch (daily) " 

Globe (w^eekly) " 

Medical and Surgical Journal..(monthl30 *' 

Republican (weekly) " 

Boys and Girls of the South... (semi-monthly) *' 

Christian Index (weekly) " 

Georgia Templar (weekly) " 

Methodist Advocate (weekly) " 

Southern Enterprise (monthly) '< 

Southern Medical Record (monthly) *' 

Southern Planter and Grange. (weekly) ** 

Sunny South ' (weekly) " 

Georgia Clinical Record (monthly) " 

Jewish South (weekly) " 

Sunday Gazette (weekly) " 

Sunday Phonograph (weekly) " 

Southern Real Estate Gazette.(monthly) " 

Commercial Reporter ;. (monthly) " 

Kennesaw Route Gazette (monthly) " 

Piedmont Air-Line HeadLight(monthly) " 

Chronicle & Constitutionalist.. (daily) Augusta. 

Evening News ^ (daily) " 

Democrat (weekly) Bainbridge. 

Gazette (weekly) Barnesville. 

News (weekly) Blackshear. 

Early County News ...(weekly) Blakely. 

Seaport Appeal (weekly) Brunswick. 

Advertiser (weekly) " 

Argus (weekly) Buena Vista. 

Herald (weekly) Butler. 



[113] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 25 

Times (weekly) Calhoun. 

Cherokee Georgian (weekly) Canton. 

Franklin County Register (weekly) Carnesville. 

Carroll County Times (weekly) Carrolton. 

Express (weekly) Carlersville. 

Free Press (weekly) " 

Congregational Methodist (weekly) Cave Spring. 

Express (weekly) Cedartown. 

Record (weekly) ♦' 

Blue Ridge Echo (weekly) Cleveland. 

Enquirer-Sun (daily) Columbus. 

Times (daily) " 

Courier (weekly) Conyers. 

Examiner (weekly) '* 

Cochran Enterprise (weekly) Cochran. 

Georgia Enterprise (weekly) Covington. 

Star (weekly) '' 

Democrat (weekly) Crawfordville 

Baptist Banner (weekly) Cumming. 

Clarion (weekly) " 

Appeal (weekly) Cuthbert. 

True Southron ." (weekly) '' 

Mountain Signal (weekly) Dahlonega. 

Enterprise (weekly) Dalton. 

North Georgia Citizen (weekly) " » 

Independent Headlight (weekly) *' 

Timber Gazette (weekly) Darien. 

Weekly Journal (weekly) Dawson. 

DeKalb County News (weekly) Decatur. 

Gazette (weekly) Dublin. 

Star (weekly) Douglasville. 

Okefenokean (weekly) Du Pont. 

Times (weekly) Eastman, 

Broad Axe and Itemizer (weekly) Eatonton. 

Gazette (weekly) Elberton. 

Courier (weekly) Ellijay. 

Star (weekly) Fairburn. 

Monroe Advertiser (weekly) Forsyth. 

Fort Gaines Tribune (weekly) Fort Gaines. 

Mirror (weekly) Fort Valley. 

Advertiser (weekly) '' 

Eagle (weekly) Gainesville. 

North Georgia Argus (weekly) " 

Southron (weekly) " 



26 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [H'i] 

Home Journal (weekly) Greensboro. 

Herald (weekly) *' 

Meriwether Co. Vindicator (weekly) , Greenville. 

News (daily) Griffin. 

Sun (weekly) " 

Georgia Advertiser (monthly) " 

Journal (weekly) Hamilton. 

Henry County VVeekly (weekly) Hampton. 

Sun (weekly) Hartwell. 

Dispatch (weekly) Hawkinsviile 

Gazette (weekly) Hiuesville. 

Southerner and Appeal (weekly) Irwinton. 

Butler County Argus (weekly) Jackson. 

Forest News (weekly) Jefferson. 

Sentinel (weekly) Jessup. 

News (weekly) Jonesboro. 

Walker County Messenger (weekly) La Fayette. 

Reporter (weekly) La Grange. 

Gwinnett Herald (weekly) Lawrenceville 

Oglethorpe Echo (weekly) Lexington. 

News and Farmer (weekly) Louisville. 

Independent (weekly) Lumpkin. 

South Georgian (weekly).. McVille. 

Kind Words ....(weekly) Macon. 

Baptist Gem (weekly) '' 

Central Georgia Weekly (weekly) " 

Telegraph and Mc-ssenger (daily) " 

Wesleyan Christian Advocate, (weekly) " 

Madisonian (weekly) Madison. 

Journal (weekly) Marietta. 

Field and Fireside (weekly) " 

Union and Recorder (weekly) Milledgevile. 

Montezuma Weekly (weekly).... Montezuma. 

Herald (weekly) Newnan. 

Leader (weekly) " 

Pioneer (weekly) Pearson. 

Home Journal (weekly) Perry. 

Reporter (weekly) Quitman. 

Free Press (weekly) " 

Catoosa Courier (weekly) Ringgold. 

Dade County Gazette (weekly) Rising Fawn. 

Bulletin (weekly) Rome. 

Rome Daily (daily) '' 

Courier (weekly) " 



[115] GEORGIA — FEOM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 27 

Tribune (weekly) Rome. 

Courier (weekly) ...Sandersville. 

Herald and Georgian (weekly) ' " 

Abend Zeitung (weekly) Savannah. 

Morning News (daily) " 

Sunday Telegram .'.(weekly) " 

Southern Farmer's Monthly.... (monthly) " 

Southern Musical Journal (monthly) " 

Farm and Home (weekly) Senoia. 

Walton County Vidette (weekly) Social Circle. 

Times and Planter (weekly) ..Sparta. 

Ishmaelite (weekly) " 

Herald (weekly) Swainsboro. 

Summerville Gazette (weekly) Summer ville. 

Telephone (weekly) Sylvania: 

Standard (weekly) Talbotton. 

Georgia Register (weekly) " 

Upson Enterprise (weekly) Thomaston. 

Southern Enterprise (weekly) Thomasviile. 

Times (weekly) " 

McDufRe Journal (weekly) Thomson. 

Herald (weekly) Toccoa City. 

Times (weekly) Valdosta. 

Clipper (weekly) Warren ton. 

Gazette (weekly) Washington. 

State Line Press (weekly) West Point. 

RAILROADS IN GEORGIA. 
The following is a list of the railroads in this State, together with 
the length of each within the State lines : 
Western & Atlantic, from Atlanta to Chattanooga, Tenn...]38 miles 

Marietta & North Ga., from Marietta to Canton 24 " 

Rome Branch, from Kingston to Rome 20 '* 

Cherokee R. R., from Cartersville to Rockmart 23 " 

A. &. R. Air-Line, from Atlanta to Charlotte— in Ga 100 " 

Northeastern, from Athens to Lula City 40 " 

Elberton Air-line, from Elberton to Toccoa City 51 " 

Georgia, from Augusta to Atlanta 171 " 

Washington Brajich, from Barnett to Washington 18 " 

Athens Branch, from Union Point to Athens 39 ** 

Savannah & Augusta, from Augusta to Millen 53 " 

Georgia Central, from Savannah to Atlanta 295 '' 

Sandersville Branch, from Tennille to Sandersville 3 " 

Eatonton Branch, from Gordon to Eatonton 39 " 



28 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [H^] 

Thomaston Branch, from Barnesville to Thomaston 16 miles 

Savannah, Griffin and N. Ala., from Griffin to Carrollton 60 
Savannah & Skidawaj^, from Savannah to Isle of Hope... 9 
Montgomery Branch, from Isle of Hope to Montgomery... 4 

Atlantic & Gulf, from Savannah to Bainbridge 237 

Live Oak Branch, from Lawton to Live Oak, Fla 48 

Albany Branch, from Thomasville to Albany 60 

Macon & Augusta, from Macon to Camak, Ga. B. R 74 

Macon & Brunswick, from Macon to Brunswick 186 

Hawkinsville Branch, from Cochran to Hawkinsville 10 

Brunswick & Albany, from Brunswick to Albany 172 

Southwestern, from Macon to Eufaula, Ala 140 

Muscogee Branch, from Fort Valley to Columbus 71 

Perry Branch, from Fort Valley to Perry 11 

Albany Branch, from Smith ville to Albany 23^ 

Arlington Branch, from Albany to Arlington 35| 

Fort Gaines Branch, from Cuthbert to Fort Gaines 22 

North & South, from Columbus to Kingston 20 

Selma, Borne & Dalton, from Dalton to Selma, Ala. — in Ga. 67 

Atlanta & AVest Point, from Atladta to West Point 86f 

East Tennessee, from Dalton to Bristol, Va.— in Ga 18 

Chattanooga & Alabama, from Chattanooga to Selma, 

Ala.— in Georgia 25 

Dodge's R. R., from Eastman, Dodge co., toOcmulgeeR. 

completed 10 



[117] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 29 



PART II. 



SECTIONAL DIVISIONS. 

SHOWING THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE SEVERAL POR- 
TIONS OF GEORGIA, ARRANGED WITH A VIEW* TO A MORE 
INTELLIGIBLE PKESENTATION, TOGETHER WITH LETTERS 
RECEIVED FROM ACTUAL SETTLERS FROM OTHER STATES OF 
THE UNION AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 

The large area covered by the State, and the peculiar conjunc- 
ture of geographical and topographical features, aided by the dis- 
position of geological strata, have resulted in a great diversity of 
climate, soils and productions — greater than in any State of the 
Union. 

This diversity has made it desirable to divide the whole area 
into five sections, by lines, which, to some extent, are indicated 
by the changes in topographical features and geological formation. 

These sections are described separately, and immediately follow- 
ing the description will be found copies of letters received from 
Northern and foreign born citizens who have settled in the State 
(with few exceptions) since 1865. These letters were in answer to 
the following circular: 

Special Circular No. 67.] 

STATE OF GEORGIA, 
Department of Agriculture, 

Atlanta, April 25, 1879. 
Dear Sir— 

In response to the enclosed circular, No. 64, your name and ad- 
dress has been furnished me by one of my crop correspondents in 
your county. As intimated in that circular, my object is to pre- 
pare a pamphlet which shall give, from the stand-point of actual 
settlers, a view of the natural resources of soil and climate of Geor- 
gia, the moral ajid social condition of the people, their disposition 
towards immigrants, and the social position which may be ac- 
corded to such immigrants, as judged from your own personal ex- 
perience and obsei vation. 

The pamphlet will be made up chiefly of short statements, over 
the name and address of the persons who may respond to this re- 



30 DEPARTMENT OE AGRICrLTURE GEORGIA. [US] 

quest, aud a large number will be printed for free distributiou iu 
the Xorthern and Western States of the Union, aud in foreign 
countries, with a view to giving emigrants reliable and accurate 
information of our climate, soil and resources, from the stand-point 
of actual settlers, and to disabuse their minds of prejudice. 

I will be obliged, therefore, if you will give, on this sheet, such 
a statement— based on your experience and observation — as may 
serve the purpose in view, as soon as convenient, aud maU to this 
office. Very respectfully, 

THOMAS P. JAXES, 
Commissioner of Agriculture. 

Let the remarks which follow embrace the following : 1. Your 
native country. 2. The year of your settlement in Georgia. 3. 
Your business or profession. 4. Inducements presented for those 
of your own or other professions. 5. Climate. 6. Soil. 7. Pro- 
ductions. S. Health. 9. Condition of society. 10. Safety to life 
and property. 11. Taxes. 12. Feeling manifested towards, and 
social treatment of, immigrants. 13. Prices and j)rofits of land 
compared with other States or countries ; and such other points as 
may may occur to you as proper and relevant. 

Here sign your name 

Your p»ostoffice 

In respK)nse to this circular, replies were received from upwards 
of fifty counties, representing every section of the State. Except- 
ing some slight verbal changes, not affecting the substance, they 
are printed as received, with the name and post-office address of 
each, together with the names of other citizens, of the same class, 
from whom similar letters were received but not published — for 
want of space. 

The facts repr^ented of any one county, are, in the main, ap- 
plicable to the adjoining counties, from which no letters appear. 
In some counties there are no settlers of the class to which the cir- 
cular was addressed ; in others their was either a failure on the 
part of regular correspondents of the Department to furnish 
names, or neglect on the part of those to whom the foregoing cir- 
cular was sent. 

XORTH GEORGIA. 

This section embraces all that portion of the state lying. north 
of the tier of counties in which Clarke, Fulton and Carroll may be 
considered objective x^oints. and includes thirty-three counties in 
all. For convenience it is sometimes divided, as in the Ma>tal 



[119] GEOEGIA FROM AX nCdlGEANT STAXr>-POrS-T. 31 

OF Geokgia, into two sub-sections— Northeast and Xorthw^t 
Georsia. 



^'ORTHEA.ST 


Georgia.— This 


region compri: 


;e3 the folio wi! 


counties : 








Banks, 


Dawson, 


Fannin, 


Forsyth, 


Franklin, 


Gilmer, 


Gwinnett, 


Habersham, 


HaU, 


Hart, 


Jackson, 


Lumpkin, 


Madison, 


Milton, 


Pickens^ 


Rabun, 


Towns, 


Union 


White. 





It is that part of the State which possesses the greatest elevation, 
the average being 1,6^/) feet above the level of the sea, while there 
are peaks which rise to an elevation of near .5,<>yj feet. The region is 
metamorphic, or composed of rocks changed from their original 
condition by heat and pressure. The geological formations are 
granite, gneiss, mica and horn-blende schists : soils red and gray, 
resting on a basis of firm clay, usually red but sometimes yellow, 
white and blue mixed with gravel, the latter cliefly on lowlands. 
The clay, or subsoil, is usually found from four to six inches below 
the surface on uplands, from one to two feet in the valleys, and 
from two to six feet in river bottoms. The original forest growth 
is chiefly red, black, post and white oaks ; chestnut, black-jack, 
hickory, short-leaf and spruce pine, cedar, dogwood, black-gum, 
walnut, with poplar, ash, elm, sycamore, birch, sweet-gum and 
white-oak on the lowlands. This is the great aunferous region of 
the State, the net yield of gold being equal to that of any section 
of the Union, California not excepted. Copper, lead, magnetic 
iron ore, mica, asbestus, marble, ruby, serpentine, corundum are 
also found in considerable quantities, and may be niinei with 
profit. 

The lands are generally rich and productive, the yield depending 
wholly on the skill used in their cultivation. The staple field 
products are Indian corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, clover, the 
various grasses and sorghum cane, while in the Southern portion 
of tile di^'ision cotton is grown to a consderable extent. The aver- 
age yield per acre, under fair cultivation, is : corn, 3j bushels: wheat, 
15 bushels : oats, 25 bushels : rye. S bushels; barley, 25 bushels J 
hay, from 2 to 3 tons ; sorghum syrup, 75 gallons ; cotton, 4<>'J 
pounds in the seed. Under high culture, two, three and sometimes 
f jur times this production is realized. Tobacco, buckwheat and 
German millet can also be grown with great success. The plant- 
ing and harvest times of the division are as foUows : com, planted 
15th M-.irch to loth May, gathered in fall months-; wheat and other 
small grain, sown October, harvested in June and July : cotton, 
planted 15th April to 15ih May, gathered in fall months : sorghum, 



32 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [^ 20] 

planted in April, cut in August. A very large proportion of the 
laborers, both farm and mine, are white ; wages of former, $8 to 
|10 per month ; of latter 75 cents to $1 per day ; ordinary mechan- 
ics, $1 to $2 per day, according to skill. 

The fruits best adapted to the section are tlie apple, cherry, pear, 
grape, plum, in all its varieties, peach, gooseberry, raspberry, 
strawberry— the last named producing equally well in all parts of 
the State with like cultivation. Almost every variety of vegeta- 
bles attain to great perfection. 

The climate is unsurpassed on the continent for comfort and 
salubrity during nine months of the year. The mean tempera- 
ture in summer is 70° Fahrenheit, in winter 35° ; highest temper- 
ature 90°, lowest 8^— periods of greater heat and cold being excep- 
tional. 8now falls usually ft'om two to three times during the 
winter season, especially in the northermost counties, to a depth 
varying from two inches to six inches. In the Southern tier of 
counties, there are occasional winters without a fail of snow. 

Springs and running streams abound in all parts of the district ; 
water powers 'unsurpassed ; spring and well water freestone, and 
not excelled in any country. Mineral springs— sulphur or chaly- 
beate—abound in nearly all the counties of the district. That por- 
tion of it— the eastern— to which railroad transportation has been 
opened, is annually visited by thousands, many of whom spend 
the entire summer and part of autumn at its watering places and 
pleasant villages. It may be said of this, and indeed of all other 
sections of the State, that the people are anxious for new settlers, 
and are ready to give a cordial welcome to honest and industrious 
immigrants from all countries, including our own. Lands can be 
bought at low prices and on favorable terms, as regards the pay- 
ments—in the mountains from $1 to $5 per acre, and in the valleys 
and lower portions of the district from $5 to $10 per acre. The 
average price of farm stock varies but little in the State, and may 
be stated as follows : milch cows, $15 to $20 ; sheep, $1.50 to $2 ; 
brood sows, $5 to $8; horses and mules, <i75 to $100. 

Northwest Georgia. — The following counties are included in 
this sub-section: 

Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, 

Cobb, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, 

Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Polk, 

Walker, Whitfield. 

Northwest Georgia extends from the Cohutta Mountains and 
Chattahoochee Kidge to the eastern boundary of Alabama. It dif- 
fers in several important respects from the Northeastern division. 
It is less mountainous, and, consequently, a greater portion of its 



[121] GEORGIA — FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 33 

area is susceptible of cultivation. Its average elevation above the 
sea is only 750 feet, or about 50 per cent, less than that of Northeast 
Georgia. Its geological ages are Silurian, Devonian (so called 
from their identity with those of Wales and Devonshire, and, in 
the extreme northwest, carboniferous. The characteristic min- 
erals are limestone, slate, iron ores, coal, manganese, sandstone, 
baryta, some gold, all of which, except the last, are found in great 
quantities. Several valuable veins and gravelly deposits of gold 
have been developed and worked with handsome returns. 

The immense coal beds described in the chapter on minerals lie 
the northwestern counties of this division, to-wit: Dade, Walker 
and Chattooga. The supply seems to be inexhaustible. The mines 
are reached by railroads which connect with main trunks, and in 
the immediate vicinity are immense deposits of best iron ore. 

"The soils are calcerous and argillaceous; clay red and yellow. 
In all other respects our description of the natural conditions and 
capabilities of Northeast Georgia will apply to this division, with 
the single exception of temperature, the difference in elevation 
being accompanied by the usual variations of heat and cold. The 
productions are, in all respects, the same. 

In one or two respects, this division enjoys peculiar advantages 
over its eastern neighbor. It has not only a larger area of tillable 
land, but a much greater proportion of valley and river bottom. 
Its facilities for transportation are also greater, the Western 
and Atlantic Railroad traversing its centre from the northern to 
the southern boundary, while tributary roads supply a good por- 
tion of (he country to the right and left of the main line. 

The whole of North Georgia is admirably adapted to stock- 
raising. The mountains atlbrd abundant pasturage for cattle, 
sheep, hogs, goats, etc., which are required to be fed only a few 
months in the year, while the grains and grasses are produced in 
the greatest abundance for that purpose. 

LETTERS FROM ACTUAL SETTLERS. 

BANKS COUNTY. 

I was bom in Northern Ohio; went from there to North Carolina in 1873, and came to 
Georgia in 1874. I am a pliysician, and have been well patronized and well treated since 
my residence here. I believe I am the only Northern man now residing in Banks county 
who came since 1865. I find the climate delightful and healthy; no malarial diseases 
excellent freestone water. People live here to an extreme old age. One man has died 
since my residence here, aged 114 years, and one woman, his wife, at 108 ; also a colored 
woman at the age of 106 years, two others, said to be about 100, and several are now 
living nearly 100. 

The soil is well adapted to corn, wheat, oats and cotton. The heat in summer is not 

so oppressive as at the North, and the winters are delightful. The inhabitants", in the 

main, are honest, industrious and of temperate habits. Education is at a low ebb, but 

efforts are being made for more and better schools. A man's life and property are as 

3 



34 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUKE GEORGIA. [122] 

safe here as in any part of the United States. Doors are seldom locked, and larceny is 
seldom heard of. I have never felt that I was slighted or ostracized for beiiig a yankee, 
but I believe in many instances I have been treated with more courtesy because of my 
nativity, for the purpose of correcting any wrong impression I may have received. 

Wild land is held at from $2 to $10 per acre, and improved farms at from $7 to $20. 
Farming pays as large per cent, on investment as in any part of the United States. Good 
mechanics, especially blacksmiths, are needed; but most of all, experienced and well 
qualified teachers, male and female. THOMAS HAYDEN. 

Homer, Banks county, Ga. 



BARTOW COUNTY. 
I came herefrom Toronto, Canada, in November, 1875; since, I have been farming in 
Fulton county, and here in Bartow. The climate is delightful and healthy. In Canada' 
I had consumption, but have entirely recovered since coming here. The soil is fertile, 
producing all the grains, cotton, rice, tobacco— every tiling a man requires to live well. 
The society is good, taxes low, and life and property as safe here as in Canada. Immi- 
grants are kindly treated— the feeling towards them is most friendly. Land is cheap, 
and with proper management pays a good profit on the amount invested. Labor is 
cheap and efficient to those wanting help, and laborers can get employment on farms at 
remunerative rates. E. MLTRRAY, 

Cartersville, Bartow county, Ga. 

COBB COUNTY. 

Massachusetts is my native State— as it was the home of my ancestors— and there I 
learned my trade as a wool manufacturer, the business in which I am now engaged at 
this place. I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, that this section of Georgia 
presents many superior advantages over any section of the United States for the manu- 
facture of wool and cotton. 1. There is no section better supplied with unlimited water 
powers, desirably located. 2. The climate is well adapted to the business ; the mercury 
seldom rising above i»2 ' in tlie summer, while the nights are cool and invigorating. 3, 
"We can operate for eight months in the year with little or no expense for heating, 
while the remaining four months cost but little compared with Northern ."-tates. 4. A 
good supply of the raw material can always be secured at home, from first hands, and 
much of the freights, commissions, and other profits for handling, be saved. 5. The na- 
tives here make good operatives. Asa general rule, they are intelligent, sober and 
industrious. In fact, there is notliing in the way of success to tlie energetic, skillful 
manufacturer. Much more might be said ; but a word to the wise is sufficient— com€ 
and see. There are many inducements to immigrants. Society is good ; life and prop- 
erty are as safe as in any part of the United States. Referring to my own experience, 
I came here in 1859— just before the late unfortunate war commenced. I remained until 
General Sherman passed this point, and then went North, where I staid two years. I 
then returned to this place (Roswell). where I desire to spend the remainder of my 
days, as I am well pleased with the country, climate and society. Although I have 
differed in my political views with most of the people with whom I have associated, yet 
the most kindly feelings have been manifested towards me, and also to other immigrants 
to this section. To those wishing to come to th's section, let me say to them, they will 
find a most hearty welcome in our midst, and the advantages of good water powers, 
climate, soil, health and society not surpassed in any part of our wide domain. 

J. S. WOOD. President, 
Roswell, Cobb counly, Ga. 



I ara a native of western New York, and by occupation a farmer. I am well pleased 
with this country, and consider it unsurpassed in the United States for climate and 
healthfuJness, best of water, good timber, long, good seasons of fruit, cheap lands, low 
taxes and good markets. The land is susceptible of high improvement. 

I have received generous treatment from the most intelligent portion of the people, 



[123] 



GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POIIST. 35 



and with few exceptions, from the common and less informed. A man is safe here as 
anywhere, from all harm or molestation, if he minds his own business. The people here 
take offense quicker, and the pistol and knife are more frequently handy thun in the 
North. I do know that this ten dollar land can soon be made worth $40 to $50 by gener 
ous treatment. I have done it, and am still doing this. Last season I made 70 bales of 
cotton from 110 acres— nine-tenths of it old worn land. 

I would advise Northern people to bring a few of their old friends for neighbors, as 
they will enjoy themselves better socially ; old friends being much more dear than new 
ones, especially since the customs of the people North and South are so different. 

J. I. CHAMBERLAIN, Marietta, Ga. 

[Letters were also received from Mr. Anthony Van Wick, 
banker (from New York); postotfice, Marietta; Wm. Hunter 
(from Scotland) ; postofflce, Roswell, and F. A. E. Schieling, (from 
Germany) ; postofflce, Marietta. Their experience, in the main, 
agrees with the foregoing statements.] 

DADE COUNTY. 
New York is ray native State. I am a farmer, and settled here in 1870, The induce- 
ments to immigration are many. It is an excellent grazing country, with plenty of 
cheap uncultivated lands, sufficient for several large colonies. The climate is delight- 
ful, and as healthy as the highlands of New York. The soil is a sandy loam, produc- 
ing well, with moderate fertilizing, all that Ohio produces, and in addition, cotton. 
There is plenty of good society, and life and property are as secure as m any of the 
Northern States — even to Northern men. I have received as kind treatment from the 
native citizens as I ever received in any Northern settlement, and I believe others would 
receive the same. While the soil is not so rich as in many of the Northern States, the 
difference is more than made up in the climate, and the price of land is not more than 
half so great In this county are the table lands of Lookout and Sand Mountains, and on 
them are thousands of acres of grazing land, well adapted to stock and to fruit growing, 
besides abundant valley lands, large tracts of which can be bought at a very low price 

R. S. LEAVITT, bmith's P. O., Ga. 

I was born in France, and came to Georgia in 1850, following the profession of a mil- 
ler. The climate is mild, the soil generally good and productive, and health excellent. 
The society surpasses' that of any other State. Life and property are as safe as any- 
where. Immigrants are kindly and respectfully treated. Land ranges in price from ^2 
to 820 per acre. Mountain land especially good for vegetables and fruits of all kinds, 
and the soil, in general, produces from 10 to 50 bushels of wheat and corn per acre. 
Mineral products are splendid— iron ore, coal and fire proof clay abundant, and the water 
everywhere good. J. H. J. COPUT, Rising Fawn, Ga. 

FLOYD COUNTY. 
I am from New York; moved to Ohio, where I was reared, and came to Georgia in 
1865. I am so well pleased that I shall make it my permanent home. Been farming 
since 1870, and think this is as good a farming country as there is in the United States, 
and the business just as profitable. The climate is so even and temperate that even a 
white man can work in the fields all the year round. Our soil is fertile, and will produce 
equal to any in the Northern States, and is more easily cultivated than those of the West. 
I have grown 3lO bushels of corn on five acres, and 163 gallons syrup on one acre, both 
crops being made without any special pains, and without manure. I have had clover 
53^ feet in length. The country in this part of Georgia is as healthy as can be found in 
the world; ihe society is equal to any in the Union. Very few vagabonds here, and as 
for tramps, I have not seen one. No State where life and property are safer. The social 
treatment of immigrants is good— so far as I have heard. I have been here nearly 14 



36 DEPARTMENT OF AGKICCTLTURE GEORGIA. [124] 

years, and have been treated kindly by all. In 1867 I married one of Georgia's purest 
and fairest daughters. So, you see, there is no disposition to treat Northern men other- 
wise than as gentlemen, if they conduct themselves as such— at least such is my expe- 
rience. 

The prices of land run from $2.00 to $50.00 per acre, according to location and prox- 
imity to Rome. The profits of farming are equal to the West, and if our fanners were 
as carefal as the Western people, our profits would be greater, as our markets are better. 
I have traveled over most of the Western States, and fomid none that is equal to 
Georgia as a home. E. M. EASTMAN, Rome, Ga. 

My native State is New York. Moved to Michigan in 1834, and to this city (Rome) in 
1872, and engaged in my pi'ofession of Apiarian. Inducements to apiculture and other 
branches of indusiry, good. Climate excellent. Soil and productions fair. Health 
extremely good. Life and property secure. Taxes moderate. Peelings manifested 
towards, and social treatment of immigrants, of the "best kind." Prices of land 
"exceedingly low." No State in the Union affords better or greater inducements 
to immigrants. During the seven years we have been here we have traveled 
some in South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and the greater portion of Georgia. We 
have attended both State and county fairs; we have formed the acquaintance of many 
of the leading men of the State, and have ever found them to be a high toned md gen- 
erous people, ever extending a welcome hand to all who desire a home among them, 
regardless of the section from which they come. Could all the facts pertaining to the 
state of things as they exist— the climate, soil, society, a kind and generous people— oe 
made known to the world, the South would ere long receive as great or greatei- tide of 
immigration than has ever flowed to the far off West. 

One word to my Northern friends, who are so often writing to us. Don't be deceived 
any longer by erroneous statements. If you prefer a mild climate to one where it is 
freezing half the year, come South. You will find as kind and generous and orderly a 
people as can be found anywhere. During our seven years stay here— traveling a good 
deal too— we have never seen but one altercation between "man and man," and it was 
only a slight "brush," and they were 2s(>rthern men and bankers at that. 

A. F. MOON, Rome, Ga. 

[An interesting letter was also received from Mr. H. B. Zscheck, 
Rome, Ga., a native of Poseri, North Germany.] 



FORSYTH COUNTY, 

I am Kentuckian; settled here in 1865 as farmer. Inducements are as good as could 
be desired. The climate is miid, the soil mixed, gray and red, and produces well corn, 
cotton, small grain. Health and society good; life and property safe ; taxes low, and 
all kindness shown to immigrants that could be asked for. Land from $i to $50 per 
acre; profits, 25 to 10' per cent. I will say further, that I have never lived among a 
cleverer people in my life, and it matters not where a man is raised who comes here, he 
will be treated as if well as a native. They want immigrants. 

AARON SWINNEY, Big Creek P. O., Georgia. 

HARALSON COUNTY. 

I am a native of northern Ohio ; served four years in Union army ; came to Rome, 
Georgia, in 18G7 ; have lived in Meriwether, Troup, Carroll and Haralson counties ; 
bought land in Carroll county in 1870, and commenced farming on a small scale ; made 
money. I am a teacher by profession, and am now engaged in teaching. The induce- 
ments for good teachers are such as to induce me to continue. I have now applications 
from four settlements to teach next year. The climate is moderate— never too hot and 
seldom extremely cold. The soil is thin in some sections, but capable of a high degree 
of improvement. AJl the small grains can be raised with profit. I have never had any 



[125] 



GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 37 



fear of personal violence, and very little difficulty in regard to social pri%ileges, having 
always received the kindest treatment from a majority of the people. I have never been 
inteif erred with on account of politics but once— when living in a Republican settle- 
ment, I was somewhat ostracized because I did not vote to suit them. An honest man 
can get along here as easily as in any State in the Union. I married into one of the best 
families in the State. I have had considerable opportunities for forming opinions, and 
will cheerfully write more at large if you desire. JOHN B. FORSTER, 

Tallapoosa, Ga. 

LUMPKIN COUNTY. 
I was born in Vermont— came to Georgia in 1868. Am a millwright and machinist by 
trade, and have been engaged in superintending mining operations, and contracting in 
building stamp and other mills. The inducements offered in Georgia for my trade is far 
better at the present time than in any section North that I know of. I consider the cli- 
mate in North Georgia equal in all respects, and superior in many, to any location I was 
ever in. The soil, with the same treatment, is equal to that of New England or the 
West. Continual crops of corn or cotton for years, without manure, will wear out any 
land ; but the soil here produces better than New England soil would with the same 
treatment. North Georgia can be called an exceedingly healthy section— far ahead of 
the North, where the changes are so sudden and severe. Society here is chiefly com- 
posed of Jhonest, industrious, hard-working people— kind-hearted and hospitable as any 
people I was ever with. I came here soon after the war, and never want to be treated any 
better than I have been here ; and I firmly believe that any person who comes here with 
honest intentions, and intends to mind his own business, will find a hearty welcome. I 
have never heard an expression of ill-feeling against Northern people on account of their 
politics or nativity. In short, I am well pleased with the South, and expect to remain 
here. FRANK W. HALL, Dahlonega, Ga. 

PAULDING COUNTY. 
I was bom and reared in Rhode Island, came to Georgia in 1848. I am a millwr'ght 
by trade, and have always found business plenty at fair prices. The climate is delight- 
ful, the water very good, and I think this is as healthy a place as I have ever found. 
Uplands are fair, bottom lands splendid. Society very good. We have schools and 
churches, but there is not such a spirit manifested for education as I would like to see. 
Life and property are as safe here as anywhere. Immigrants will be cordially received 
and heartily welcomed by our people, as we are glad to see them. There is plenty of 
land for all who may come, and at prices to suit, ranging from SI. 00 to $.50.00 per acre. 
Fair uplands at from $5.00 to g 10.00. G. A. OWEN, Dallas, Ga. 

[A' very interesting letter was received from Mr, Franklin 
Parker, Ac worth, Ga., who emigrated from Bordeaux, France. 
He is highlj'- pleased with the country.] 

POLK COUNTY. 
I came South in 1870 from Blair county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the iron busi- 
ness. Since 1872 I have been engaged in farming in this valley. This section is one of 
the most desirable in the South, both for farming and for other professions. The land 
is well adapted to raising all kinds of produce that can be raised North, in addition to 
which our people cultivate a large area in cotton. Produce of all kinds finds a ready 
market, and, owing to the superior quality of cotton raised in this county, it has always 
commanded a higher price than in the country below. The climate is all that could be 
desired. The nights are always cool, however warm the day may have been, which is 
not the case North. Condition of society is excellent. Our people are fully equal to 
those of the North, both in education and social refinement. I have never felt more 
secure as to life and property than I do here— never lock my door at night, as I would do 
if I lived in the North. 



38 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE — GEORGIA. [126] 

Ha\ing lived eight years in this part of Georgia, I feel that I am capable of giving a 
true statement of the feeling towards, and the treatment of, immigi-ants, and in face of 
the many unjust and false charges and insinuations which have appeared in partisan 
newspapers, I aflarm that the people here have always gladly welcomed all who have 
come South for the purpose of making this their future home, and the most cordial and 
friendly feelings are manifested towards new comers. 

Our people are more and more disposed to divide up their large plantations into small 
farms and place them on the market. Have had several hundred acres placed in my 
hands for sale. The place I live on contains 80) acres; cost me $15,000, and, although 
lands have depreciated in saleable value since I bought, I am so much attached to it, so 
well pleased with the social surroundings, and so confident that lands will increase in 
value in the near future, that I would not sell for double what I gave. The lands here 
will average one-half bale cotton to the acre. In the North, lands worth $100 per acre 
produce no more than 30 to 40 bushels of wheat, and there is no reason why our lands 
should not be made to produce as much. A hey would if the small farm system be 
adopted M. V. B. AKE, Cedartown, Ga. 

[The statements iu the foregoing letter are fully sustained l»y 
letters from Messrs. J. S. Noyes and A. Huntington, both of Cedar- 
town^ and natives of Vermont.] 

WALKER COUNTY. 

Born in New York state; I moved to Illinois and then to Wisconsin, where I resided 
25 years. In 1871 came to or near Chattanooga, Tennessee, but not liking the location 
came to Walker county, where I purchased a farm and now reside. 

Georgia presents many inducements to immigrants. 1st. The climate is much milder, 
the extremes of heat and cold much less than in the North. I have seen as hot days 
here in summer as in the North, but the winters here are not to be compared with the 
rigors of the northern winter. 2d. The cheapness of land. A man can buy a piece of 
land here for a few hundred dollars, and by industry secure a good living. 3d. The cli- 
mate being so much milder and the winters so much shorter, farmers have much more 
time to do other work, and it does not require near the outlay to house stock from the 
weather, nor near so much fodder to feed them during the winter. 4th. The soil varies, 
as in almost every country, from the rich bottoms to the uplands and ridge lands, and 
is adapted to a great variety of crops. The leading crops are : cotton, com, sweet 
potatoes, tobacco, rice; and very good crops of wheat, rye, and oats are produced. 
Sorghum yields from 100 to 200 gallons per acre. This is a very healthy county, and 
the society is good. Safety to life and property secured. The treatment of northern 
born citizens is as good as they are accustomed to at the North. 

There seems to be rather a preference to foreigners and Northern immigrants. Much 
attention is given to extend the benefits of education to all classes. There are many 
going to Texas, but many return, and many more would do the same if they had the 
means to pay their way back. They get there, and often sickness reduces them to the 
extremity and necessity of a longer stay away from the good old state of Georgia, 
where they left the prospect of health, wealth and long life. 

ALLEN HUBBARD, Villanow, Ga. 

f I am from Iieland, and settled in Georgia in 1836. I am a farmer by profession. The 
climate is excellent, healthful, and soil productive. Society is a fair average ; people 
honest, clever and industrious. Nine-tenths of the population are whites. Life and 
property secure. Immigrants of good character are treated with the utmost respect. 
I have found it so for 49 years that I have been here. The Southern people are the most 
hospitable I have ever been among. Lands vary m price from $1.00 to $25.00 per acre, 
according to quality. Water— pure limestone. Tan-bark abundant. Churches and 
school-houses numerous. A. I. LEET, Rock Spring, Ga. 



[12'?] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 



39 



WHITFIELD COUNTY. 
In reply to your inquiries we state that our residence In this State is of eight months 
duration only. We do not propose to settle here permanently. We reside in New York 
State, and though engaged in business here, must be in New York one-half the time to at- 
tend to business there. We are manufacturers of axe and pick handles. The timber, both 
hickory and white oak, is of excellent quality, wonderfully abundant, and easily and 
cheaply obtained. First- class facilities for manufacturing wood -work exist in this and 
all the adjoining counties. The climate is healthful and delightful, and the people 
sociable, agreeable and very hospitable. The laws are wise and well and thoroughly 
administered. Land is exceedingly low and its natural resources very rich. Taxes very 
light, and expense of living exceedingiy small In nearly all these points of excellence 
North Georgia is unsurpassed. WHITNEY & BABCOCK, Dalton, Ga. 

[Refer also to James Herron, Dalton, Ga., and W. S. Dyer, 
Trickem, Ga., from both of whom letters have been received.] 



MIDDLE GEORGIA. 



This section 
Baldwin, 
Bibb, 
Butts, 
Campbell, 
Carroll, 
Clarke, 
Clayton, 
Columbia, 
Coweta, 
DeKalb, 



embraces thirty- 
Douglas, 
Elbert, 
Fayette, 
Fulton, 
Greene, 
Hancock, 
Harris, 
Heard, 
Henry, 
Jasper, 



nine counties, 
Jones, 
Lincoln, 
McDuffie, 
Meriwether, 
Monroe, 
Morgan, 
Newton, 
Oconee, 
Oglethorpe, 
Pike, 



as follows : 

Putnam, 

Rockdale, 

Spalding, 

Talbot, 

Taliaferro, 

Troup, 

Upson, 

Walton, 

Warren, 

Wilkes. 



It extends across the State from the Savannah river in the east 
to the Chattahoochee river in the west, and has an area of about 
15,000 square miles. Its southern border may be described with 
tolerable accuracy by a line from Augusta through Macon to Co- 
lumbus. It is marked by the head of navigation of the principal 
rivers. The northern border may be described by a line running 
through Athens and Atlanta. It is about one hundred miles in 
width. Its average elevation is 750 feet. The entire region is 
metanaorphic, its rocks granite, gneiss, mica, quartzites, hydro- 
mica schist, with some limestone and soapstone. These rocks 
all extend from the northeast to the southwest, and are crossed 
frequently at right angles by trap dykes. Its chief minerals are 
gold, copper, lead, asbestus, graphite, chromic iron, serpentine and 
soapstone. Gold is found in districts wide apart, and has been 
worked with satisfactory profit in a few localities, more especially 
in McDuffie, Lincoln, Wilkes and Carroll. Asbestus is also mined 
to some extent. The original forest growth consists of red, post, 
Spanish, and white oaks, and blackjack, hickory, short-leaf pine, 
with some long-leaf on its southern border ; poplar, dogwood, elm, 



40 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [128] 

chestnut, maple, beech, birch, ash, black locust, sweet and black 
gums, walnut and some cedar. This division has three varieties 
of soil — red or clay, gray and gravelly, and light and sandy, the 
last named being limited in extent, and confined to the long-leaf 
pine localities on the southern border. The two former possess 
great productiveness and durability. After the coast country, they 
were the first settled, and Middle Georgia has continued to be the 
most populous division of the State. While the lowlands are of 
the best quality, the uplands are unsurpassed in fertility and luxu- 
riance of forest growth by those of any country. A very large 
proportion of the lands has suffered temporary exhaustion by inju- 
dicious culture which claimed everything from the soil and 
returned nothing. This ruinous practice is fast giving way to a 
more enlightened and economical system. It has been ascer- 
tained that no soils on the continent are more susceptible of recu- 
peration and respond so bountifully to generous treatment. The 
abandoned fields, grown up in stunted pines, and for twenty or 
forty years considered useful only as pasturage, have been restored 
to cultivation, and are now among the most productive lands of 
the State. The staple field products are cotton, corn, oats, and 
wheat, while all the grains and grasses, and even tobacco may be 
grown successfully. The average yields, witii ordinary culture, 
are : Cotton, 550 pounds, in seed, per acre ; corn, 12 bushels ; wheat, 
8 bushels ; oats, 25 bushels ; barley, 30 bushels ; rye, 8 bushels ; 
sweet potatoes, 100 bushels; field peas with corn, 5 bushels. 
Ground peas, chufas, pumpkins, and, indeed, almost every field 
product are successfully cultivated. Very many farmers double 
the above averages year after year, whilst under liigh culture the 
product is multiplied four or five times, as will be seen in the 
chapter on that subject. About seventy-five per cent, of the farm 
laborers of this division are negroes, and the average wages are $8 
per month and rations. Wages of ordinary mechanics vary from 
$1.50 to 13.00 per day, according to skill. The planting and har- 
vest periods of leading products are: Cotton, April, September to 
December; corn, March, October; wheat, October and November, 
May and early June ; other fall grains harvested same time ; those 
sowed in February and March harvested in June. The fruits to 
which the section is best adapted are the peach, fig, apple, pear, 
strawberry, raspberry, melons of all kinds. The peach attains 
here, and in Southwest Georgia, its greatest perfection, and 
immense quantities are raised for export, both in their natural 
and dried state; the same may be said of the apple and black- 
berry, though the latter is a spontaneous growth and yields abun- 
dantly in a wild state. Almost every other variety of fruit known 
i n the Southern States thrives well in this division. The table 



[129] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 41 

vegetpbles are all grown successfully, the hardier varieties the 
year round. The climate is a happy medium between those of 
Southern and Northern Georgia, and, in health fulness, equal to 
that of any part of the world. There is much uniformity of tem- 
perature, sudden rises or falls occurring but rarely. The mean 
annual temperature is 60° to 64°. Snow falls about once in three 
years, the depth varying from 1^ to 4 inches. Every portion of 
the division abounds in running streams, while the spring and 
well waters are excellent. The difference in elevation between 
the Northern and the Southern portions of the division being from 
650 to 700 feet, the water powers are probably unequalled by those 
of any similar area on the continent. It would be difficult to fix a 
limit to its manufacturing facilities in this respect. The society is 
good and the people educated and refined. Immigration is desired, 
and good lands can be bought on liberal terms at from $4.00 to 
$10.00 per acre. The mineral springs are few, but for curative 
powers are unsurpassed in the Union. The Indian Springs, in 
Butts county, and the Warm and Sulphur Springs, in Meriwether, 
are famous resorts of invalids, and enjoy a deserved popularity. 

LETTERS FROM ACTUAL SETTLERS. 

BALDWIN COUNTY. 

My native country is Bavaria, Germany. Came to the United States in 1859, and set- 
tled in Georgia in 1865. My business is that of a merchant. I find the climate very 
agreeable, and altogether more desirable than that of Ohio, where I resided at first. The 
soil is chiefly devoted to cotton, with a fair proportion of cereals; but is capable of pro- 
ducing all that is essential. 

Society is in an advanced condition, equal to any, regardless of country or section. 
Life and property are as safe as anywhere. Laws well administered, and violators find 
no favor. The feeling towards new comers is cordial, and respectable and law-abidmg 
people will find this a desirable section. My own experience has been agreeable to all 
reasonable expectations, and I can recommend the people of my adopted State as gen- 
erous, noble, and hospitable— extending, always, a willing hand to worthy persons. 
Politics do not run into that fervency as is represented by newspapers, but a man can 
be what he pleases, so long as he confines himself to the legitimate exercise of his rights. 

ADOLrH JOSEPH, MilledgevOle, Ga. 

BIBB COUNTY. 

My native State is New Jersey. Been a resident of this county seven years. After 
traveling in several of the Southern States, I have settled permanently in Georgia, and 
feel that I have found the best State in the Union as regards climate, health, produc- 
tions, etc. A m engaged in manufacturing carriages and wagons, aud a general variety 
business. Find plenty to do. The industrious need never be idle. 

The soil of the State is more varied than in any of the 23 States I have traveled in, 
and is very productive— growing any kmd of grain, fruits, or vegetables, except tropical 
fruits. Many instances of yields of 45 to 50 bushels of wheat per acre ; and it comes 
into market eight or ten weeks earlier than Northern wheat. Two crops are often 
made on the same land in one year. There is seldom a day in the year on which the 
fai-mer cannot work to advantage. The society is good, and the people clever and 
obliging and law-abiding— more so than I have ever found in my travels. Good water, 



4ii DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [130] 

plenty of churclies and schools. Lands range from 50 cents to $30.00 per acre, according 
to locality and improvements. Timber is abundant, and portions of the i^tate are rich 
in gold, iron and coal. I think the time is not far distant when Georgia will be the 
" boss " State in the Union. All that is wanting is capital and a few industrious settlers. 

LEE DAVIS, box 365, Macon, Georgia. 



BUTTS COUNTY. 
I came to Georgia from New Hampshire, in 1877, and have since been engaged in the 
practice of medicine. The inducements in this State, to medical men I do not consider 
flattering, but they can do as well here as elsewhere. The climate is all that could be 
desired, far superior to that of any of the Northern States. I have traveled extensively 
and have never found a healthier locality. The soil is generally good, and well adapted 
to the cultivation of cotton, tobacco, corn, wheat, oats— in fact, everything but tea and 
coffee. Society is good, schools and churches numerous, taxes exceedingly low. Life 
and property as safe here as anywhere in the United States. The kindest feelings are 
manifested towards immigrants, from whatever quarter. Prices of land, fivfe to ten dol- 
lars per acre, and where the land is well cultivated, the profits are much greater than at 
the North. W. J. TUCKER, M.D., Jackson, Butts county, Ga. 

I am a native of Pennsylvania; lived many years in Ohio; came South in 1860, and 
joined the editorial corps of the Memphis Api)eal, on which I served, at various 
places, until the close of the war; settled in Georgia in 186.5, as a printer, etc. 

Those engaged in my own, or any other honorable occupation, can succeed in Georgia, 
or any of the Southern States in which I have resided, as surely as in any other portion 
of the country. The climate of Central Georgia is delightful; the soil is cheap, and 
productive of almost everything desirable, except the tropical fruits. This location i8 
very healthy, and instances of longevity are numerous. 

Society, so far as the white population is concerned, is much the same as in the 
North and West. We have the same churches, and schools in abundance; but it must 
be admitted that the public school system has not reached that degree of perfection 
witnessed in some of the Northern and Western States. In Georgia, an excellent pub- 
lic school system has been introduced, which, fostered by the State, is rapidly com- 
mending itself to the people, and approaching a desirable degree of perfection. Acad- 
emies and colleges are numerous and well supported. 

I am confident that life and property are as safe here as any^vhere. It has never been 
my lot to live among a more peaceable, law-abiding people than those of Middle Geor- 
gia. The records show that seven-eights of the lawlessness brought to notice in our 
courts, originates with the colored race. 

Taxes low — total of State and county, only one and one-fourth mills on the dollar. 
The supply of laborers, and especially of skilled mechanics, is insufficient, and imi- 
grants from any quarter will find this a pleasant section, where all the desirable advan- 
tages of civilization can be enjoyed, and remunerative results will follow all well di- 
rected efforts of the husbandman. JOHN B. DUMBLE, 

Indian Spring, Ga. 



CAMPBELL COUNTY. 

I arrived in Georgia, from Orleans county, Vermont, in September, 1851, and have 
lived in this county since 1852. I am a silversmith by trade, but have taught school 
several years. 

There is not much inducement for silversmiths to come into this section. Money is 
scarce, and people very economical, rarely having work done unless compelled by neces- 
sity. There is not much demand or many openings for mechanics or trades-people. 

Good hands on the farm can always get plenty of work at fair wages. The coldest 
weather I ever saw in Georgia, the thermometer was 6° above zero. The soil here is 
. ^. .^i' ihau in Vermont, and can be improved at less trouble and expense. The produc- 



[131] 



GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 43 



tions are qaite varied— those natural to a colder climate not as good as where it is colder, 
and those of ^ hotter climate requiring some protection in winter. 

I consider this the most healthy section I ever lived in. Society is good and improv- 
ing. A prudent man's life is as safe as anywhere in the world, and property is equally so 
from what I hear. Taxes are not exhorbil ant. Immigrants are estimated by the stand 
they take in society, and by their general deportment. With the same industry and 
frugality, a man can make about twice as much as in Vermont. 

CARROLL COUNTY. 

My native State is Indiana. Settled in Georgia in 1872, and engaged in the business 
of traveling for a sewing machine company, which I have found profitable. 

The climate is mild and delightful- can travel all through the winter with ease and 
comfort. The soil is moderately productive, but susceptible of a high degree of im- 
provement ; produces in abundance corn, wheat, oats, Irish and sweet potatoes, grass, 
clover, fruit of all kinds and garden vegetables, (which can be grown the year round), 
and is well adapted to cotton. Health remarkable, the even temperature, abundance of 
clear, pure spring water, entire freedom from chills or epidemics, make this a desirable 
section for invalids. Society is good— a very large proportion of the people being mem- 
bers of the various religious denominations, and quiet, orderly, peaceable citizens. As to 
safety to life, I have traveled extensively in Georgia for the last seven years, all hours 
of day and night ; never carried a pistol or other weapon, and never needed one. Have 
never been molested or insulted. B. F. COTTON, 

CarroUton, Ga. 

CLARKE COUNTY. 
My native country, Ohio; settled in Georgia in 1878 ; my business, merchant ; no in- 
ducements for merchants. Climate is healthier than Ohio. Soil not as well adapted to 
grain as Ohio ; better for coitton. Productions are not as good as Ohio, outside of 
cotton. Health is better here than Ohio. Condition of society is as good as at any 
place I ever have been. I feel safer here, as to life, than in Ohio, and as to property I feel 
equally safe. Taxes are lower by one-third than in Ohio. The feeling toward immi- 
grants is very cordial, and they are welcome. The price of land is very low compared 
to other States. The average price of land here is $8 per acre for good land. Labor 
very cheap (colored labor). LUE MILLER, Athens, Ga. 

CLAYTON COUNTY. 

Ireland is my native land. I settled in Georgia in 1869, and engaged in farming and 
gardening, which I find pays a working man handsomely. The climate is healthy as 
any I ever lived in— in fact, I would not exchange with any State in the Union on this 
point. 

Some soil is fertile, and some is pretty poor. I raise almost every known variety of 
vegetables successfully. With few exceptions, society is good. The laws are good, and 
those concerning protection to life and property are, in general, faithfully executed. 
The feeling towards immigrants is good. If they are honorable and indpstrious, they 
are well received— the same as natives. Land is very cheap compared to some other 
States, especially when we consider the great conveniences of good railroads, good mar- 
kets, good water and good health. Some lands are as fine as I ever saw anywhere. 

W. H. HARRISON, Hapeville, Ga. 

COLUMBIA COUNTY. 

We came with our family from Michigan nearly ten years ago, and commenced farm- 
ing. We soon became acquainted with our neighbors, associating with them as we did 
with our Northern friends, expressing our opinions with the same freedom as in the 
North, and. have never had any reason to complain of any ill treatment from Southern- 
ers. W. H. COLLINS, Harlem, Ga. 



44: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE — GEORGIA. [132] 

I came from New York State to this State and county in 1865. Have been engaged in 
farming and manufacturing. If there is any ill-feeling against Northern settlers I have 
failed to discover it. I have never had a desire to return to New York; I like this cli- 
mate and people better. H. A. COOK, Harlem, Ga. 

COWETA COUNTY. 

I am not yet a citizen of the State, having come here from the North for the purpose 
of seeing, and getting all the information I can. 

I can state, from my own experience, that the people of the South are the contrary of 
those in the North in several respects. They are the most ben f volant and hospitable 
people, especially towards immigrants. The climate of North Georgia, I think, is the 
best in the world; the soil is good, and, with lit tie pains, can be made rich. The products 
of the soil are small grain, com, cotton, and especially all kinds of vegetables and fruits. 
Everythmg finds a ready market, and the most astonisliing thing to me is, that the price 
of grain is the same as in my native country, Germany, where lands are worth from 
$300 to $600 per acre, while good lands can be bought here for $10, which will pro- 
duce, on an average, very near the same. The taxes here are so little that they are not 
worth talking about. I have been here nearly a year, and will make this my permanent 
home after settling my business in Europe. 

OTTO OTTENS, Newnan, Ga. 

I am from Vermont, and came to Coweta county in 1844. My profession has been and 
is that of a teacher. As to inducements presented to those of my own profession, I will 
simply remark, "There is always room on the top shelf." As to climate— All things 
considered, there is no better outside of heaven. The soil is good enough for any one 
that will work, producing everything essential to comfort and prosperity. There is no 
healthier country on earth, in my opinion; the society is refined and elevated; and 
security of life and property unsuri>assed anywhere. Taxes are very light. The feeling 
towards and treatment of immigrants is the same as towards natives of the same grade. 
Lands cheap, when the location, climate, society and natural advantages of this county 
are considered. M. P. KELLOGG, Newnan, Ga. 



DOUGLAS COUNTY. 
I am a Canadian by birth, but was reared in the States of New York and Ohio. I was 
living in Ohio when the war broke out; served in the Federal army the whole war; was 
mustered out at Atlanta in January, 1866; never went back North, but remained in and 
about Atlanta; have resided in the counties of Fulton and Cobb, and now live in Doug- 
las; am an architect and builder by profession. I planned and supervised the building 
of Governor Bullock's famous $20,0!»0 barn. I have traveled the United .States from 
Maine to Michigan, from Canada to Florida, and can say with truth, that where I have 
been in Georgia, and especially where I now live, is as healthy as any part of the world; 
and the climate is the most agreeable in this county of any place I ever saw. The soil is 
gray, yielding well with good cultivation. It is more profitable to raise corn here than 
in Ohio, because it can be sold at our own door at the same price as Ohio corn after being 
shipped here. Land from $1.00 to $15.00 per acre, according to condition and improve- 
ments. Anything that will grow in New York or Ohio will grow equally well here. Life 
and property are as safe here as anywhere in the Union. Immigrants will meet with a 
welcome. There is no social or political ostracism. Every man in this town knew that 
I served and was an officer in the Union army; yet last January they elected me town 
Recorder, giving me a majority of three to one over one of our merchants doing business 
here. Does that look like sectional hatred of Northern men? There is none of it here. 

A. L. GOSLINE, Douglasville, Ga. 

I emigrated from Iowa to Douglas county in 1869, and engaged in farming. Any man 
of energy can do well farming here, and a good mechanic can always get employment 
at from $1 to $3 a day. The climate is mild and pleasant, and the soil produces cotton, 



[133] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 45 

wheat, oats, rye, etc., very well. In fact, we can raise anything here that can be raised 
in any country, and everything we make finds a ready market at good prices. I have 
been in eleven different States, and have never seen a more healthy country than this, 
nor a more civil and law-abiding community. Immigrants from the North, or anywhere, 
are treated with the greatest civility and kindness, and life and property are safe as any- 
where. I have been treated as well as a Southern man could be. 

TIMOTHY RIDLEN, Wilsonville, Ga. 

FAYETTE COUNTY. 
I immigrated to this country from Germany in 1857, and have been farming for the 
last fourteen years. The climate is very pleasant and agreeable; the soil red and sandy, 
producing abundantly corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, Irish and sweet potatoes and cot- 
ton. It is as healthy as any country on the globe, and the condition of society is all that 
could be desired. When a man is peaceable and well behaved himself, there is no danger 
to his life; and everybody, white and black, is made to abide the law. The very best of 
feeling prevails toward immigrants. Everybody is anxious for a better class of labor 
ing people. ABRAH A M STEIM HEIM ER. 

Brooks' Station, Ga. 

FULTON COUNTY. 

I came here last July from the West, purchased a farm near this city, on which I now 
reside. As far as health is concerned, I affirm from my own experience and observa- 
tion that there is no section where the climate, etc., is more conducive to this great 
blessing. 

I have received none other than the kindest treatment from people of all social con- 
ditions. I find the upper classes social, obliging and courteous. I have had no reason 
to regret my coming to Georgia. The climate, so far as my brief experience, 
extends, is mild, agreeable and congenial. I find no difficulty m working out doors, 
summer and winter, when the weather is not stormy. None of my family has experi- 
enced any ill effects from the change of climate. 

The soil is neither bad nor good, but is moderately fair agricultural soil— far better, 
however, than I anticipated— which will, by good culture and moderate fertilizing, give 
fair crops, from which more money can be realized, with less labor, than in many parts 
of the West. 

I have seen no reason to regard any man's life unsafe who is not a rowdy or a courter 
of broils. I have no dread in this regard. More money can be made out of these lands 
by farming, gardening and stock-raising, than in most parts of the West. 

My conversations with other Northern people I find residing here, lead me to believe 
that every man who comes to Georgia with a little capital, and who behaves himself as 
becomes a man, can and will do much better than in a new country. I came here with 
some severe prejudices against Southern people, but am now frank to confess that they 
have not been confirmed. I have do desire to leave this countiy, but feel contented and 
satisfied, and believe that all good citizens who come South will be as cordially received 
and as kindly treated by the Southern people as I have been. 

I. ADOLPHUS, M.D., Atlanta, Ga. 

Saxony (Germany) is ray native country, from which I emigrated in 1842, and settled 
in Wisconsin, where I lived for 23 years. I came to Georgia in 1865, and engaged in 
raising farm and garden products. The inducements in all professions are innumerable 
to all who are willing to labor. There is no place or city in the United States where 
business of every kind is more lively, and honest labor more justly rewarded. The cli- 
mate is a perfect representation of Italy— the finest in the world. The soil, properly 
managed, is most productive. The productions are a combination of both" Northern 
and Southern States ; for Georgia, in climate and soil, has the advantages of both 



46 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [134] 

sections. The people are most hospitable and kind to immigrants ; the motto " Wel- 
come" might be appropriately inscribed on every door. 

FRED. DECKNE R, Atlanta, Ga. 

After a long delay, I fulfill my promise to inform you how long I have been in this 
country, and how I am pleased with it. So long as I have been here, the most of the 
time I have been in the South, and it pleases me very well. I have earned much money, 
more than I ever could in Germany, for the Americans pay better than the Germans. 
Eighteen years I have been in the country, and always healthy. I have seen gond times 
and bad, but it suits me very well, if only the German freedom and unity were here. 
You must excuse me that I write so badly, since I have not had a pen in my hand in 
eighteen years. CHRISTIAN RUNGE, Hapeville, Ga. 

GREENE COUNTY. 

I am a farmer and a native of New York State. Came to Georgia in 1870. The in- 
ducements for farmers presented bj' this county are : Good land — land which responds 
most readily to good treatment ; a climate such that the farmer can plow and sow or 
plant during all the months in the year ; great abundance of the best of water, from 
springs and wells ; good and cheap labor ; favorable conditions for the breeding of cattle 
sheep and horses ; good timber, etc. The climate is delightful as compared with that 
of New York or other Northern States. The winters are mild, with seldom frost enough 
to make a crust on the ground. The summers are warm, but pleasant. 

The soil was originally good, much of it is thin from bad treatment, but is capable of 
improvement. The chief productions are cotton, all kinds of grain, vegetables and fruits 
common at the Nortli, and a great many in addition. I believe this section (Middle Geor- 
gia) is as healthy as any in the worl 1. Society is settled, and safety to life and property 
perfect, so far as I can judge, after nearly ten years experience and observation. Taxes 
are very light. The disposition towards immigrants is generally friendly. I have had 
no fault to find on this score The same amount of money in labor and land will give 
better results than in New York. J. B. Y. WARNER, 

Greensboro, Ga. 

HANCOCK COUNTY. 

I am by prof ession an architect, but have been farming since last year. I came from 
Massachusetts. I tMnk that /armers— good and energetic farmers— c-xg. find no better 
State in the Union in wMch to settle, and I have lived in many States— North, South, 
East and West, including Texas and California— but as my experience in farming is 
very limited, my opinions are not entitled to much weight. A new country is not the 
liome for an architect. 

The climate is healthy, reaching neither extreme of Jieat or cold, and the white laborer 
is enabled to do field work winter and summer, and our stock, in general, can graze on 
prepared pasture or on swamp cane in winter. 

I have met with such treatment as every man deserves who is a man, and all who can- 
not come under this head, in my humble opinion, had better stay away from Georgia, 
for they will here find men with whom to compete. 

R. H. SALTER, Jr., Sparta, Ga. 

I came from my native country — Canada— in 1865. I am a blacksmith by trade. The 
inducements for those of my trade are not very good. Many first-class mechanics have 
been compelled to go into other business. 

The climate is the best I have ever experienced, and the soil good and very productive. 
Health good, and society as good as can be found. Life and property are as safe or safer 
than in any country. Industrious, well behaved immigrants are received kindly and 
well treated. Land ranges from ^2 to SlO per acre, and the profits are good compared 
with other States and countries with which I am acquainted. I have lived in Canada 



[135] GEORGIA FROM AX IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 47 

and Michigan, and traveled tbrougb many of the Southern and Western States. I prefer 
Georgia to any country I know of. ' ROBERT WILSON, Sparta, Ga. 

JASI*ER COUNTY. 

I came from Connecticut in 1874. Am a clerk and ex-merchant. I could not wish a 
more salubrious climate. The soil is productive under proper treatment. The produc- 
tions are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, bai'ley, rye, clover, potatoes, peas, sugar cane milled, 
beets, carrots, turnips, etc., and fruits of all kinds. Health is generally good, and socie- 
ty as good as can be found ; but a more thorough enforcement of laws is needed. Some 
of the best men in the county are in favor of good immigrants We want no more 
Swedes like those heretofore imported. In prices and profits of lauds, this country 
compares favorably with any other. L. W. HUBBARD, 

Monticello, Ga. 

MORGAN COUNTY. 

We are farmers, and came from New York State in 1871 . The inducements for farmers 
axid. first-class mechanics, with moderate means, are good. The climate is all that could 
be desired. The soil is a mixture of red clay and sand — badly worn, but easily brought 
to high state of cultivation, giving large returns for fertilizers and labor. The staple 
products are corn, cotton, wheat, oats, barley, hay, sweet and Irish potatoes, ground 
peas, etc., with a variety of fruits and vegetables too numerous to mention. 

The climate is very healthy, and the society as good as can be found anywhere. The 
feeling towards immigrants is friendly, but the people are not as sociable with strangers 
as are the people out West, but as much so as in any old settled country. 

J. M. & P. M. GRIGGS. Madison, Ga. 



Native state— New Jersey. Came to Georgia in 1871 and engaged in farming. The 
climate is all that could be desired. The soil, originally fertile, is greatly impoverished, 
but is susceptible of a high degree of improvement. Healthy locality. Condition of 
society good. Life and property safe as in the North or West. Immigrants are treated 
very kindly and neighborly. Wool growing more profitable than in Wisconsin, where 
I resided fifteen years I came to Georgia for a milder climate and better health, and 
have not been disappointed. JOHN H. MORGAN, Madison, Ga. 

I am from Eastern Pennsylvania. Settled here in 1867, and have been farming con- 
stantly since. For ten years have been Clerk of the Superior Court. To a live, indus- 
trious farmer, this part of Georgia offers many inducements— the mild climate, produc 
tive and easily cultivated soil, and varied productions, chief among them cotton, which 
always sells for cash at every railroad station. This section is remarkably healthy, being 
entirely exempt from malarial fevers and epidemics. The majority of our native pop- 
ulation are intelligent, noble-hearted and refined. The races live together hnrmoniously, 
and in perfect security of life and property. Industrious and upright people are wel- 
comed here regardless of their political or religious views. All taxes assessed for the 
year 1S78 aggregated seven mills on the dollar. County well timbered and well watered 
by small streams and springs of excellent water. 

E. HEYSER, Madison, Ga. 
[Letter also received from Mr. A. Van Houten, Madison, Ga., 
but space forbids publication,] 

OCONEE COUNTY. 
I came from Massachusetts in 1850. and have' been farming most of the time. I also 
run a shoe factory. The inducements for farming or shoe business are better than in 
Massachusetts. The climate here is the best in the world. The soil is very productive 
of com. cotton, wheat, oats, sweet and Irish potatoes, rye, barley— in fact, everything 
you may want to raise. Very healthy, society good, and, so far as safety to lif^ and 
property is concerned, I feel perfectly safe ; have never been molested. Feeling towards 



48 PKLARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [136] 

immigrants from any quarter is good. Lands are much cheaper in Georgia than in any 
State I know of. I consider farming here a good business. I have made clear in one 
year, farming with two hands, $1,400. Did not work m the farm myself. 

W. A. WOODIS, Watkinsville, Ga. 

OGLETHORPE COUNTY. 

I am a native of Maine, having emigrated to Georgia in 1863, and have been employed 
as a machinist from 1863 to 1869, at which time I turned my attention to and have been 
employed ever since in farming in Oglethorpe county, Ga. At the present time little or 
no inducement is offered to mechanics to settle in this section. The climate is pecu- 
liarly mild and agreeable at all seasons of the year, and the water is of the purest char- 
acter. While immigrants from the North will find here comparatively little frost or 
snow to impede farm work in winter, they will experience no debilitating heat in sum- 
mer. Although the soil is thin and, in many parts, much worn, it may be restored by 
the use of fertilizers and made to become very productive. 

Wheat and cotton and corn are the principal crops, but all the cereals can be raised 
and sold at remunerative prices. For excellence and abundance of timber this section 
is unsurpassed. 

No section of the Southern States is healthier than Oglethorpe county, Ga., from the 
fact that there is nothing to produce malaria or other diseases. The society of this 
county is as good as any in Georgia, and is remarkable for its purity. Strangers are 
treated with the utmost kindness, and are invariably befriended. The prices of lands 
are much lower than those of the Northern States, and immigrants will find it to their 
interest to settle in this section of Georgia. S. BAILEY, Maxeys, Ga. 

PIKE COUNTY. . 
I was bom in Bavaria, Germany. Have been working for express and railroad com- 
panies ; have always found plenty of work at good wages. The climate is excellent ; 
much of the soil is thin, but with proper management, very producti.e of corn, cotton, 
etc. My health has always been good ; society first rate ; no unusual danger to life and 
property. Treatment of foreigners generally good. There always have been some men 
in this country who have a hatred for foreigners, because the latter often prosper where 
natives would perish. I can't see why this is so, but it is according to my observation, 
I always avoid such characters. Lands are very cheap— fertile farms can be had for. 
from 55.00 to $20.00 per acre. I consider this county one of the b,st in the State. 

H. H. SWATTS, Barnesville, Ga. 



PUTNAM COUNTY. 

I settled in Georgia in 1876, having mcved from New York, my native State. My 
health has ben much improved by the change. The summer here is similar to that of 
Westche ter county, New York, but of longer duration. The winter is much warmer 
than that of New York. The soil here is naturally very pood, and yields accordmg to 
the amount of fertilizers applied with skillful hands. Cotton, corn, oats, wheat and 
sugar cane are the principal crops, named in the order of tUeir iuportance. 

Safety to property is as well guaranteed here as elsewhere, with the exception of 
small thefts by negroe , such as rails from fences for fuel, and small matters. Horses, 
blankets, harness, whips, etc., are as safe here without locks as under lock and key in 
New York. Life is safe ordinarily, and would always be in the absence of drunkenness ; 
but no one need fear molestation on account of politics. Hanging being the penalty for 
mujder, is almost always omitted, as in many other States, and the ofi'enders often go 
free because of the severe nenalty. 

Immigrants, who are farmers, will find society such as they leave elsewhere. Scholarly 
men find scholarly men in the South ; but mechanics settling in country tow us will sadly 
miss the society of men of their own calling. But business is always open here, that 
will make any economical mechanic, whether blacksmith, wheelwright or other, a good 
income. BENJAMIN W. HUNT, Eatonton, Ga. 



[187] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 



49 



TROUP COUNTY, 
I was raised in New York State ; lived in Illinois from 1833 to 1869, coming to Georgia 
in the latt jr year, where I have followed the business of milling and farming. I think 
the inducements for immigration not good for separate families, but good for colonies. 
The climate is very fine; the soil badly used up; productio s— almost everything with 
fertilizers ; fruit very good. Society good, and safe'y to life and property as well assured 
as in Illinois. Lands are worth from SI. 00 to $8.00 j^.er acre ; profits from 5 to 15 per 
cent., when rented to freedmen, and have been getting lower for the last five years. 
Profits '.vou Id be fair if colonies would settle and raise sheep, cattle and horses, and 
make, instead of buying on credit, all their corn and meat. 

WILSON ALLEN, LaGrange, Ga. 

WALTON COUNTY. 

Being as far as I know the only permanent Northern settler in Walton county, I gladly 
respond to your circular. I am a native of New York State ; I settled here in 1870, and 
ha^■e been farming since then. The inducements for those with some means, say $1,000 or 
upwards, who wish to procure a good and pleasant home, are good. To such I say 
come to Walton county, Georgia, where the whites have a majority, and negro labor is 
plenty. Those who depend on their labor fur support and have nothing more, I would 
not advise to come here. 

The climate we think is as good as can be found. Soil, red clay subsoil with sandy 
surface. All kinds of grain do remarkably well. Cotton is our money crop. With 
suitable preparation of the land, the grasses do well. Health is good ; everybody is 
peaceable and attend ta their own affairs. I consider my life and property safer than 
if in New York. Taxes, 8 mills. I never could expect to be treated with more kind- 
ness and courtesy than I have met with here. The price of land is from $5 to ^13 per 
acre. As to profits, I think where 4 per cent, on the capital invested is realized in 
the Northern States, 10 per cent, on the same can be realized here. 

J. T. VALLANCE, Rutledge, Ga. 

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA. 

This section embraces all tbat country lying between the Ocmul- 
gee and Allapaha rivers in the east, and the Chattahoochee river 



in the west; the northern boundary being a line from Macon 
Columbus, and the State of Florida its boundary in the south, 
comprises the following counties : 



Baker, 

Berrien, 

Brooks, 

Calhoun, 

Chattahoochee, 

Clay, 

Colquitt, 

Crawford, 



Decatur, 



Macon, 

Marion, 

Miller, 

Mitchell, 

Muscogee, 

Quitman, 

Randolph, 

Schley, 



Dool^^, 

Do.igherty, 

Early, 

Houston, 

Irwin, 

Lee, 

Lowndes, 

Like Southeast Georgia, the entire region is tertiary. It is more 
broken, or rolling, than Soufheast Georgia, and, wi h the exce;^- 
tion of marl, buhr and limestone, is, ia a great measure, d stitute 
of rocks. It has also a great proportion . f clay laudd and oak and 
hickory forest growth, althojgii much th ; larger part of it is a 
light sandy soil, and was originally covered with yellow or long- 
leaf pine. 



Stewart, 

Sumter, 

Taylor, 

Terrell, 

Thorn )S, 

Webster, 

Wilcox, 

Worth, 



50 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [138] 

Tb } clay lands are generally very rich, and their fertility lasting; 
the pine la ids produce freely, are easil / worked, but are 1 s-i dura- 
ble, thou h, with reasonable fertilization, will ast for many years. 
The dis ri t contains Very littl was(e land, or lands too po sr or 
too swampy for cultivati-^n, while the alluvial lands of the Chat- 
taiioochee and Fiiit rivers, and of many of t .e creeks, a e made 
thi section famous as the best cotton region of the State. Corn, 
oats, wheat, rye and sugar-cane grow well. 

The aepth of the subs >il beneath the surface on clay lands is 6 
to 10 inches; on sandy land:^, from 12 inches to 3 feet. The pre- 
ponderating forest growth is long-leaf, or yellow, pine, furnishing 
the best of lumber, large quantities of which are prep re 1 annu- 
ally for export and domestic use. The supply would seem to be 
almost inexhaustible. Spirits of turpentine, rosin, pitch and tar — 
all the products of this tree — :Are made in considerable quantities, 
and the interest is on the increase. In the swamps ^nd river bot- 
toms there are cypress, cotton-wood, poplar, ash, aiaple, beach, 
birch, red-bay, magno.ia, sweet-gum and water-oak; while the 
growth of the clay belts is red and post ojiks, black jack, hickory, 
walnut, black-gum, logwood and buckeye. 

Cott(*nis the leading market crop of this division, and, previous to 
the derangement of plantation labor by emancipation, its crop of 
the staple probablj' equalled the r reduction of all the rest of the 
State. Corn and oats grow to great perfection, but none for ex- 
port since the war ; sugar cane is a successful crop throughout the 
section; tobacco, in considerable quantities, is grown in the south- 
ern counties. 

The average yields, per acre, with good cultivation, are : cotton, 
500 lbs. In seed ; corn, 10 bushels ; oats, 15 bu hels; syrup, 200 gal- 
lons ; sweet potatoes, 150 bushels ; ground peas, 50 bushels. On 
best lands, without manure, 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. cotton in seed, 50 
to 75 bushels corn, 50 to 65 bushels oats, 400 gallons of syrup, and 
400 bushels sweet potatoes, are often produced. It is reliably re- 
ported that a Berrien county farmer produced 800 bushels of sweet 
potatoes on one acre, under high cultivatijon. Over 900 gallons of 
syrup per acre has been made in Thomas county. 

Cotton is planted early in April, picking commences in August; 
COTn planted in February and March, matures in August; oats 
sowed usually in November, harvested last of May to last of June ; 
sugar-cane planted February and March, cut October and Novem- 
ber. 

Average wages of good farm hands, $9 per month; of ordinary 
mechanics, $1.25 to $2 per day. 

The fruits best adapted to this section are the peach, pear, melon 
grape (especially the ecuppernong), Hg, i>omegranate, some varie- 



[139] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 51 

ties of apple, strawberry; in the southern tier of counties, the 
orange, lemon and banana are successfully grown. Tliere is no 
country where all the vegetables grow to great r perfection when 
cultivated with ordinary skill. The tea plant and the olive have 
also been successfully grown in this and other Southern divisions 
of the State. 

The climate varies but little from that of Southeast Georgia, the 
average mean temperature being, in summer, 85°; in winter 65° — 
extremities, 94° and 32°. Snow falls about once in 10 or 15 years, 
never sufficiently to completely cover the ground. The health of 
the hill country and pine lands is good the year round, but fevers, 
generally of a mild type, are common along the lines of rivers and 
swamps in late summer and earlj^ fall months. 

The country is well watered, and good water powers are found 
where the streams break through the marl beds, witli which man ; 
of the counties abound. Several railroads traverse the section, 
while the Ocmulgee, Flint and Chattahoocee rivers furnish trans- 
portation nearly the entire year. 

The poorer, unimproved pine lands, well timbered, may be 
bought at 50 cents per acre ; good at $1 to $2.50 ; best lands at 
from $4 to $10— all on a liberal credit. 

The drinking water in the hill country is good, though not very 
cold ; in the flat lands not so good, and generally impregnated 
with lime. The waters abound w'th fish, and the forests furnish 
game, large and small, in any quantity desired. 

The large bodies of unimproved land, to be found in nearly every 
county of the district, furnish excellent pasturage the year round 
for cattle and sheep, and are free to all. Little or no feeding or 
sheltering is required, and beef and mutton are taken directly 
from the range to market. 

LETTERS FROM ACTUAL SETTLERS. 

CALHOUN COUNTY. 
My profession is that of architect, and my native State, New York. I came to Geor- 
gia in 1867, induced by the firm belief that with such endless resources this must ulti- 
mately rank as the first of the Southern States. The climate is most excellent— no 
such sudden changes in the weather occurring here as elsewhere in the State, or other 
Stiites. The soil is good- stiff, gray and loamy, with red clay subsoil. Productions- 
most everything that grows. As to health— some portions are sickly, others as healthy 
as anywhere. Society good, and life and property as safe as anywhere. The treatment 
of immigrants is exceedingly kind and courteous. The prices of lands are very moder- 
ate, and in some cases very low, and the profits verj^ good, compared with lands else - 
where at high prices; and where high culture is practiced, the results compare favora- 
bly with any portions of the Southern or Middle States, and in some cases, with the 
Western States. W. H. PARKINS, Morgan. Ga. 

CLAY COUNTY. 

I am a merchant, a native of Bavaria, Germany, whence I came to Georgia in 1.866, 
This is a good country for farmers and good mechanics. The climate is healthy, the 



52 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [140] 

soil mixed clay and light sand bottoms, and productive of co m, cotton, sugar-cane, po- 
tatoes. The society is very good, and life and property well protected. Taxes moder- 
ate. Immigrants would meet with good treatment and a warm welcome. Land worth 
$2.50 to $5.00, according to quality and improvements. Schools good. 

L'eAAC LOEB, Fort Gaines, Ga. 

DOUGHERTY COUNTY. 

You ask for my experience as an immigrant. I must say that it has been very pleas- 
ant, both socially and politically ; and as for health, I could not have found a more fa- 
vorable climate. I am a farmer, jsnd I think as an agricultural State Georgia, and par- 
ticularly the southern part of it, is more favored both in soil and climate than almost 
any other section of America. One great advantage to immigrants is that we have 
every facility in the way of cheap transportation, by rail and by water. The produc- 
tions of the soil are almost unlimited in variety and amount, cstill there is room for 
choice in selecting lands, and one should not be too hasty in settling. The best time 
to visit this country is from September to June, for then yon see the state at its best 
and worst. Lands from $8.00 to $8.00 per acre. Taxes very low. Stock of all kinds 
are raised here, and it is a great fruit country. I came from Maine in 1869. 

F. L. BRIDGE, Albany, Ga. 

I immigrated from England to Georgia in 1878, and am engaged as a clerk. My fam- 
ily and I have suffered less from heat than in Massachusetts, 

The soil is a sandy loam, capable of a high degree of improvement Have had better 
health than in Massachusetts. Society is good, and I consider life and property as safe 
as in the Northern States. The feeling towards immigrants is all that could be desired. 
The white people gladly welcome settlers from the other States, and give them every 
assistance in their power. Too much praise cannot be awarded them. Land is very 
low— much below its actual value. One or two farms adjoining me are for sale at a 
price much less than the cost of improvement thereon. The profits in good seasons 
will almost pay for a farm. A much better opportunity is offered immigrants here than 
at the West. THOS. KIRKE, Albany, Ga. 

LOWNDES COUNTY. 

New Jersey is my native State, whence I came to Georgia in 1869, and engaged in 
farming and lumbering. The climate is healthy, if the diet be suited to the latitude, as 
is proven by the fact that the people are able to live on corn bread, bacon, coffee and 
syrup. It is not so hot as the Middle States in summer. The natural soil is much 
better, but does not retain manure so well on account of evaporation in winter. It is 
easier to work, being free from stones. I have raised 163^ bushels of Irish potatoes on 
one-twentieth of an acre. The second crop yields well, if of an early variety, furnishing 
a supply during the year. Not good for fruit, except figs, grapes and pears. 

Horned cattle can be raised at one-fifth the expense required m the Middle States, 
requiring but a very small amount of nutritious food in winter, vt^heu the grass is tough. 
Life and property are as safe as in any country of mixed races. Negroes here, as else- 
where, are given to pilfering. Whites are easily angered, but not revengeful. Settlers 
are treated with kindness, both in social and business circles. Lauds worth $5.cO per 
acre here, would sell for $50.00 in New York, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. 

L. A. HAYNES, Valdosta, Ga, 

MUSCOGEE COUNTY. 

My native place is New York City. I settled in Georgia in 1824, and followed mer- 
chandising and farming in Florida and Georgia for thirty-three years ; and for the last 
twenty-eight years I have also been engaged in manufacturing in Columbus, Ga., and 
it is my principal business, though I have also a farm. 

For manufacturing there is a wide field open. The advantages of cheap material, 
climate (and consequently moderately low wages), unused and abundant water power, 
cheap coal, home markets for goods, defy competition. And when home markets are 



[141] 



GEORGIA^ — FKOM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 53 



supplied, Southern mills can still ship yams or goods to the North, or any country 
cheaper than they can produce them. Farming can be, and is, made proiitable, and 
affords a sure living. 

The climate is not only healthful, but we are free from cholera, yellow fever, or other 
malignant disease. Whites and blacks work in the fields and shops all the day long 
and all the year round. Sunstrokes are unknown. The winters are mild, but ice often 
forms one-half inch or more thick. It is sufficiently cold to invigorate the system for 
the summer work. 

Life and property are as secure as in any country in the world. Immigrants from 
any State of the Union, or any foreign country, are kindly received, and a helping hand 
is extended to all comers, if found worthy; and they will be received in any society to 
which they may be entitled by their intelligence and moral conduct. Society is good, 
public and private schools for all, and churches of all denominations. There is, strictly 
speaking, no class society. Integrity, honesty, industry and fair intelligence are the 
qualifications for good society. Without these, wealth alone has no influence. The 
masses of the people are fairly educated, and all are kind and social. This is no place 
for persons who would seek soft places or easy times without industry and application 
on their part. W. H. YOUNG, Columbus, Ga. 



RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Born in Ireland. My boyhood was spent in Franklin county, New York. Educated 
at the French college, Montreal, Canada. Came to Georgia in 185 1. I have been a 
teacher ever since. 

There is plenty of emplojTuent for good teachers. The climate is pleasant and healthy. 
The soil is productive. As a wheat-growing country, this is not surpassed by Northern 
New York. We raise Irish potatoes, cabbage, oats, rye, barley, etc., equal to New York. 
Georgia has as good and genial a climate as any country on earth. And a more conge- 
nial and social pe^iple lives no where on earth, except Canada and Virginia. It makes 
no dill'erence where a man is from, he' is here treated according to his merits, and no 
country offers fin^r inducements to immigrants. There is not one word of truth in all 
the slanderous and murderous reports from the South circulated through the North. 

M. A. McNULTY, Cuthbert, Ga. 

SCHLEY COUNTY. 
I am a native of Edinburgh Scotland; have been living in the South ever since 1840. 
Came first to .Montgomery. Ala., and lived in different parts of that State until 1857, 
when I moved my family to Snmter county, Ga. If I have any profession it is that of a 
seaman, but, since living in the South, have been a school teacher, a book-keeper and a 
scrivener. From my own experience I am free to say (and qualify to it if necessary), 
that there is no country (and I have been in many) where there are more or greater in- 
ducements to settle— strangers, emigrants of all grades, trades and professions— than in 
Alabama and Georgia. Ihe climate is mild and pleasant ; the soil, when fresh, exceed 
ingly productive. Small grain of all kinds —wheat and oats especially — are easily and 
abundantly produced. So with corn, peas, potatoes and other esculent roots. Vegeta- 
bles of every kind may be successfully cultivated, and the want of a good garden in 
any family may be truthfully attributed to carelessness, if not to laziness Fruits of 
many varieties— nearly all European, and some tropical fruits— are grown profusely. 
Peaches, apples, pears, plums, strawberries, etc., grow as if indigenous to the country. 
I have not seen many wild fruits, but blackberries (known in Scotland as the bramble- 
berry) and the huckleberry (in Scotland the blaeberry) are plentiful and free to Si\—the 
orchard of the poor. I have been very healthy since living in the South; have raised a 
family of five children, and during thirty-eight year.s all the sickness will not amount to 
more than four or five months, all put together; and where I have lived I have not seen 
a great deal of sickness, though I believe my family is an exception, there having been 
better health among them generally than among my neighbors. The moral condition of 
society is generally good, and will compare favorably with that of any other country. 



54 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE — GEORGIA. [142] 

Life is as safe and property as secure as in any other country, and much more so than 
in many which I have visited. Until the close of the late war, there were but few locks 
in the neighborhood where I lived; since then, however, w.e have had greater use for 
them. 

The amount of taxes depends entirely on the financial condition of the State and 
the county in which a person lives. I have always found the taxes lighter than in my 
native country. The feeling manifested to strangers is always kind ; a sober, well- 
behaved person is invariably well received and hospitably entertained; and if his man- 
ners and conduct be that of a gentleman, he is at once put on an easy footing and soon 
made to feel at home The social treatmeut of any person in the South depends on 
himself. If his conduct be good and his deportment civil and obliging, he will be 
treated kindly and courteously, and more like a friend than a mere acquaintance. If 
an emigrant, he will not only be treated kindly, etc., but he will be assisted in every 
reasonable way. After an experience of nearly forty years among the people of the 
South, I can truly say that they are the most hospitable, generous and charitable people 
that I have ever met with in all my travels. " Gentility " seems to be instinctive with 
the majority. No emigrant, whether capitalist or laborer, need fear to come South on 
the ground of uncivil treatment or unfriendly reception; for either will be warmly wel- 
comed, and capital and labor can find no better investment or safer depository— the sto- 
ries of Southern outrage to the contrary notwithstanding, and (" not to put too fine a 
point upon it ") they, in nine cases out of ten, are simply " gratuitous.' 

W. C. P. CLEGHORN, Ellaville, Ga. 



TAYLOR COUNTY. 

Logan county, Kentucky, is my native place. I came to Georgia in 1865 as a farmer. 
The inducements to farmers are good. The climate is pleasant and healthful ; society 
good, and life and property as safe as could be desired. The .treatment of immigrants 
is most kind and hearty. Lands low and profits good. This is one of the best countries 
for laboring men I have ever seen. All supplies, except coffee, can be successfully 
produced here. Provisions and other supplies plentiful and cheap. 

W. C. EDMONDSON, Butler, Ga. 

TERRELL COUNTY. 
Born in Salisbury, Connecticut ; settled in Georgia in 1869 ; .steam saw mill and lum- 
ber business. Inducements equal to any State as far as my knowledge goes or extends 
for mine or other professions. Climate the best I ever lived in. Soil, axcellent ; produc- 
tions not to be equalled in proportion to cultivation. Health— no need to ever get ick, 
only by imprudence. Society good ; life and property perfectly safe ; taxes about right ; 
a general desire for immigration ; prices and profits of lands about equal to other ad- 
joining States. WILLIAM A. PEET, Dawson, Ga. 

THOMAS COUNTY. 

My original profession was that of a confectioner, but for the last ten years I have 
been engaged in growing fruits, having come to this State in 1850. There is but little 
inducement for mechanics to settle here, because everything that can be made abroad 
Is brought here for sale. 

The climate is all that could be desired. The soil is of varied character, light soils 
predominating, but all produce well with a moderate use of manures. The productions 
include about all those of the temperate and semi-tropical zones. The health and phys- 
ical development of the people are specially good, and I find that foreigners here enjoy 
permanent good health. This is the general rule with all those who retain their old 
habits of using lighter food and drink than are here commonly used. The condition of 
society here is very good. The foreign immigran . would perhaps miss the jovial festivals 
he had so often enjoyed in his old home. 

Ten years ago, when I brought here two Swiss families, the head of one, shortly after 



[143] GEORGIA FROM AN IMMIGRANT STAND-POINT, 55 

their arrival, exclaimed : " My God ! can you let your hogs run about as they do, with- 
out their being stolen ?" Even my tempting fruits are not trespassed upon by the boys 
here in town. 

Taxes are very light compared to elsewhere. Very kind feelings are manifested to- 
wards the immigrant who settles here as a worker, and not as an agitator. His standing 
in society will be equal to his reasonable expectations, here or elsewhere. 

JOHN STARK, Thomasville, Ga. 

I am a native of the United States (North) ; settled in Thomasville in 1873. Am a 
minister of the Gospel. The inducements for immigration are reasonably good. The 
climate is delightful ; the soil, though not naturally rich, is easy of improvement. Pro- 
ductions, cotton, com, oats, wheat, rye, rice, flax, broom-corn, sugar-cane, sweet and 
Irish potatoes, strawberries, pears, peaches, grapes, etc. General healthfuluess excel- 
lent. Condition of society and safety to life and property good. There is a great desire 
for immigrants, and they are kindly treated. Lands are low in price, and profits of 
farming remunerative. Wise investments in farming lands, with suitable management, 
yields a handsome profit, despite the expensive transportation, which in some cases is 
ruinous, and in all a serious drawback. JAMES A. McREE, 

Thomasville, Ga. 

[A letter containing substantially the same representations as 
the foregoing, was received from Mr. Fay Hirshinger, a native of 
Germany, now merchandising in Thomasville.] 



WORTH COUNTY. 

My native country is England, whence I came in 1856 to Irwin county. Have fol- 
lowed school teaching and planting. Men with small capital can do more and better 
here than anywhere I know of. Good teachers make a living. Climate is good, soil 
various, but all will remunerate labor properly directed. Productions are corn, cotton, 
potatoes, etc., etc. Fruits and vegetables in abundance. Health good, society coarse, 
but honest. Life and property are safe. Taxes light Treatment of strangers is very 
kind and hospitable. Land is cheaper in tlus section, according to quality, than any- 
where else. E. COURTOY, Isabella, Ga. 

I came from Ohio to Georgia in the month of December, 187'e, and have been engaged 
jn farming ever since. I made two crops in Fulton county, and one in Fayette county. 
From thence I moved to Worth county, where I have purchased a lot of land and estab- 
lished a permanent home, having my second crop about ready to "lay by." I am sat- 
isfied that I can make farming profitable here, simply by leaving off guano and manufac- 
turing my own manure. The climate surpasses that of any other country I ever saw. 
The winters are mild, and I have suffered much less from heat in the summer season 
than in Ohio The soil, in places, is sandy, while other places are pebbly and solid, 
and produces well by using but a trifle of manure. The production of this country is 
about the same as that of Ohio, with the addition of much that cannot be raised in that 
State. This country is very healthy, except malarial diseases about the water-courses; 
society is about the same as in Ohio; so is the security of life and property. Taxes are 
no higher here than in any other country.' The feeling and treatment manifested to- 
wards me, wherever I have lived in this State, have been nothing but friendship and 
kindness. Lands here rate from 50 cents to $3 00 per acre. Thousands of acres of un- 
improved lands in this county can be bought at .50 cents per acre, much better and more 
profitable to farmers than lands in Ohio and elsewhere for which you have to pay from 
$40.00 to S50,00 per acre. 

JOHN MYGRANT, Warwick, Ga. 



56 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [l^^:] 

EAST GEORGIA. 

This section of the State embraces the country lying between 
the heads of tide water in the east, and the Ocmulgee river in the 
west, and south to the corner of Liberty, Tatnall and Appling, 
and embraces the following counties : 



Bulloch, 


Jefferson, 


Pulaski, 


Telfair, 


Burke, 


Johnson, 


Richmond, 


Twiggs, 


Dodge, 


Laurens, 


Screven, 


Washington, 


Emanuel, 


Montgomery, 


Tatnall, 


Wilkinson. 


Glasscock, 









It differs from Middle Georgia in several important respects: 
its geological formations are tertiary instead of metamorphic; its 
average elevation is only about 250 feet above the sea ; its surface 
is more level ; its soils, for the most part, loamy or sandy ; subsoil 
clay, red and yellow, four to six inches below the surface in clay 
lands, ei^lit to twelve inches in sandy lands; its forest growth is 
principally pine; it contains calcareous marls in considerable de- 
j)0sits. It is also the commencement of the section in which the 
sugar cane can be profitably cultivated, while its rocks, which are 
few, are of a sedimentary character, with iron ore and Buhr stone 
in several localities. D posits of kaolin and pipe clay are found 
along its entire length from east to west. Its water powers are 
less than those of Middle Georgia, and its driijkiug water, while 
good, is less cool and pure. While pine is the leading forest growth 
and the chief timber for building* and export, there are als^) large 
bodies of oak and hickory. The soils in such localities ar. either 
clayey or gray, mostly the latter, and admirably adapted to the 
production of cotton and corn ; cypress abounds in the swamps 
and lowlands. The county of Burke was, for manj^ years, and 
until the late revolution in our system of labor, the leading cotton 
producing county of the State. The comparatively fresh lands of 
Decatur have, of late years, enabled her to claim and hold the 
championship in this particular product. Cotton, with corn, 
wheat (the adaptation to which lessens as we proceed southward 
into the pine lands), oats, rye, barley, sugar cane, potatoes, consti- 
tute the staple products of the section. The average yields per 
acre, with fair culture, are, cotton, 650 lbs.; corn, 14 bushels; 
wheat, 12 bushels ; oats, 25 bus els ; cane syrup, 300 gallons ; po- 
tatoes, 150 bushels; barley, 30 bushels. There is much high cul- 
ture in the district, and these results are often quadrupled. The 
seasons for planting and harvesting are near the same. 

:EMANUEL COUNTY. 
I came to Georgia from New Hampshire in 1854, left it in 1859 and returned in 1869 
and have since been engaged in the lumber business, as proprietor of saw mills in 
Emanuel county and in Savannah. I consider Emanuel county as healthy as New 
Hampshire. 



[145] GEORGIA — from: an immigrant stand-point. 57 

The soil, thongh thin, produces well when fertilized and properly worked. As to the 
condition of society and the safety to life and property, it is equal to any section of 
the country. During ray residence of six years in the county, I did not keep a yard 
dog, and in warm weather doors and windows were left open at night without fear of 
intruders. 

From my own experience, I can commend the State of Georgia and its people to all 
who desire to change their residence, assuring them that (in ray opinion) no State ofEers 
greater inducements to the right kind of men. With land at 50c. to S2.50 per acre. State 
and county tax 8 mills on the dollar, a good climate, every one ought to succeed. There 
are rare chances here for energetic men with small capital— chances not all taken up as 
in the North. I have lived in New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Michigan, 
Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina, Louisiana and Mississippi, but all things considered, I 
prefer to live in Georgia. HORACE P. SMART, Savannah, Ga. 

I am by trade a machinist, and came to this country from England in 1849. Have 
been in the saw mill business since ISol. Inducements are not as good as when I first 
came here. I am well pleased with the climate. The soil is not very good, but with 
manure produces well, corn, cotton, potatoes and sugar cane. Health has been good. 
Strangers are well treated if well behaved. Land from 50 cents to $i .03 per acre. 

GEORGE GARBUTT, Q}i C. R. R., Ga. 



PULASKI COUNTY. 

I immigrated from Massachusetts, my native State, to Georgia In 1877. and have been 
engaged in the mercantie business and in farraing, almost exclusively the latter last 
year. Although the methods of farming here are different from what I have been ac- 
customed to, yet such information was readily obtained as enabled me to make with 
three plows, 24 bales of cotton, 700 to 800 bushels of corn, and a good crop of peas. La- 
bor— the main factor here— requires ra( -re study than any of the elements of successful 
farming. My observation, thus far, teaches me that ^'y personal attention to business, 
by patience and strict justice and fair dealing towards employees, the mutual interests 
of both white and colored people may be promoted and prosperity secured. 

For three months of the year— July, August and September— the weather is very warm, 
though the thermometer seldom rises above 90 or 95 degrees in the shade. During the 
remaining months the climate is delightful. Although not much of the soil is naturally 
rich, yet it is easily worked, and by intelligent cultivation, produces profitable crops. It 
is mostly sandy upon a subsoil of stiff clay. The forest growth is chiefly pine and oak, 
though there are many other species. The staple products are cotton, corn, oats, sugar 
cane and sweet potatoes, with a great variety of garden vegetables. Peaches, sand 
pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, etc., can be raised in abundance. One party here 
made 1.200 gallons of wine from three acres of Concord and Delaware grapes— the fourth 
season after setting. 

Any industrious, sober man, with a small capital, by accoraraodating himself to the 
methods of farming suited to this region (a matter not at all difficult), is almost sure to 
"get on" here; and in a few years, if he proves himself trustworthy, can work him- 
self up to actual ownership and independence. . B. F. PURSONS, 

Hawkinsville, Ga. 

RICHMOND COUNTY. 
I am from Brooklyn, New York, and settled in this county in 1870. Before coming 
South I was in the mercantile business, but have since been farraing successfully. I find 
the climate all that could be desired, as we do not have in summer the sultry atmosphere 
of New York, while the winters are just cool enough to invigorate the system without 
causing inconvenience. The soil is not naturally very rich, but susceptible of high cul- 
tivation by use of manures. The river bottoms are as rich as land ever gets to be. We 
grow cotton, corn, melons, sweet potatoes, wheat, oats and hay for market; while the 
kitchen garden affords all the vegetables that grow in any climate. It is rarely that we 



58 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [146] 

hear of sickness in the neighborhood, and society is refined and cultivated. Life and 
property, in my mind, are safer here than in the city of New Yorlc. Taxes are^ very 
light indeed. Every encouragement is offered to p?rson3 who come here in good faitli, 
witli a view to actual settlement ; and all such will meet with great cordiality and good 
will. With the exception of apples^ we grow all kinds of fruit to perfection. 

FRED. LITTLE, Allen's Station, Ga. 

SCREVEN COUNTY. 

I am a Prussian, and landed in New York in I8t)7. In 18G8 I concluded to move to 
Florida, but did not get further than Charleston, as the connecting steamer left before 
we got in. Not liking the idea of stopping in a hotel for a week, with a large family, I 
determined to settle in Georgia, took the train for Augusta at once, and found employ- 
ment in a carpenter shop. I am an architect and carpenter by trade, and earned a good 
support for a mother, a wife, and seven small children (the eldest nine years ) 

Not liking town life, in 1869 I moved to Screven county, rented a small tract of land, 
and run a one-horse farm. The place proved sickly, being very near to the river swamp, 
and the next year I moved four miles off, on the high land, first rented ana then bought 
a cotton plantation. The climate is delightful— a little warm in summer, but tlie winter 
just about cold enough to keep a man healthy. Except a bone-felon, I have never had 
any sickness in my family, and the people here die mostly from old age or accident. 

The soil is generally light, but with a good home.-made fertilizer, almost anything can 
be raised. I planted last year, for trial, one acre in oats, well manured with cotton seed 
and lime, and threshed seventy-five bushels. We can raise with success coiton, oats, 
rye, corn, rice, peas, sugar cane, Irish and sweet potatoes and nielms. Wheat is liable 
to rust. Of vegetables, almost anything will succeed that is planted, and with very little 
trouble we can have them fresh the year round, and never have to store them. 

Society is very good, and an industrious immigrant, if he can show an honest face 
and has a good will to work, will find an open door and a hearty welcome everywhere. 
My house door I never lock at night, and I have never carried a weapon for self-defense. 
I live right in the heart of the so-called Ku-Klux, but never have seen or heard any- 
thing of it, except in Northern papers. 

The price of farms range from $:J.0(> to 510.00 per acre, and several owners of large 
tracts of land will give favorable terms to immigrants. If a man has a horse and mouey 
to buy one year's provisions to start with, he can't help from improving every year. If 
I can be of any service to such persons as may wish to settle here, I will take it as a 
favor to hear from them. A. BEWAN, Mobley's Pond, Ga. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
Came from Delaware, fall of 1877. Business — gas and steam fitting. No inducements 
for others in this branch. The climate is temperate and agreeable — more so than I ex- 
pected. Soil thin, loamy— very easily cultivated, and capable of producing very good 
crops by a slight addition of fertilizers. Main productions— cotton and corn. Good 
fruit country. Tolerably good for grain; can raise, on an average, more and better oats 
than in the North. In fact, anything that can be raised anywhere (excepting the tropics) 
can be successfully grown here. My health was never better, and I consider the coun- 
try very healthy indeed. Society is very good; the people generally very sociable. My 
being a yankee has not made one jot of difference in my social relations; in fact, I think 
it has given, or tended to give, a sort of popularity, the same that I have sometimes seen 
experienced by Southerners in the North. I am running a steam mill and cotton gin— a 
business that brings me face to face with most every one in this section, and I am not 
aware that I have ever been the object of ill feeling. Life and property extremely safe. 
Immigrants who come here are welcomed and assisted. The best lands can be had for 
$10.00 per acre. 

HENRY T. HAYES, Tennille, Ga. 

[Reference is made to Mr. Carl J. Mort, a Swede, who came to 
Georgia in 1850. Postoffice, Sanders ville, Georgia.] 



[147] GEORGIA FKOM AN DOIIGRANT STAND-POINT. 59 

WILKINSON COUNTY. 

Bom in Germany. Settled in Georgia in 1870, as a hotel keeper and farmer. Induce- 
ments to immigrants only moderate. Climate unsurpassed. On flat lands the soil is 
light and sandy; on the rolling lands, it is a good loam, with clay subsoil. Healthy in 
elevated portions, but in summer and fall the flat and river lands somewhat sickly. 
Condition of society is good, including schools and churches. Life and property amply 
protected bylaw. Feeling towards immigrants good, and they will be well received. 
Prices of good cleared lands are reasonable. Wild lauds very cheap. Profits are limited, 
compared with the Western country, on account of old worn lands and difliculty of 
controlling labor. O. H. L. STRUBING, Toomsboro, Ga. 

My native country is Cavan county, Ireland. I settled in Georgia in 1851, and en- 
gaged in farming. All who work can live well. The climate is mild and healthy, and 
the soil productive of a great variety of crops, comprising everything usually grown m 
the temperate zone, especially com, cotton, wheat, oats, potatoes, peas, melons, and all 
kinds of fruit. The health is as good as anywhere in Georgia, and society first-class. 
Life and property are as safe as anywhere on the face of the earth. Taxes are low. 
The feeling towards immigrants the kindest in the world to all who deserve. Land 
ranges from $3.00 to $7.00 per acre. Profits are good, according to industry, and costs 
of hiring as low as anywhere. Religion is free to all. All persons canworship accord- 
ing to their own consciences. The right to vote is freely accorded to all, each and 
every one voting as he pleases. PATRICK DON ALLY, Gordon, Ga. 

SOUTHEAST GEOBGIA. 

This section comprises the coast and tide-water section of the 
State, and embraces fifteen counties, as follows : 

Appling, Chatham, Effingham, Pierce, 

Bryan, Clinch, Glynn, Ware, 

Camden, Coffee, Liberty, Wayne. 

Charlton, Echols, Mcintosh, 

The entire region is tertiary, and mostly without rocks. It is 
the last formed and first settled portion of Georgia, and its area of 
dry land is being gradually added to year after year through the 
action of the tides. It is low and level, the average elevation 
being less than 100 feet. 

It has three distinct soils : 1. Light, sandy and poor; 2. Dark 
sandy loam, containing a large amount of vegetable matter; 3. Red- 
dish and clayey. The first is naturally unproductive, and covered 
with stunted pines and saw palmetto, but swamp muck being 
abundant, with a proper distribution of it over the land, it may be 
cultivated with reasonable success. The second variety is cov- 
ered with a natural growth of yellow pine, magnolia, red bay, 
live-oak, cedar and cabbage palmetto, and in productiveness is 
excelled by no land in the State; it has a yellow clay subsoil, va- 
rying from ten inches to three feet; sea-island cotton, corn and 
sugar-cane grow in the greatest luxuriance. The third variety is 
also very productive, pine, oak, hickory and gum being the pre- 
vailing forest growth ; subsoil clay, red and yellow ; average depth 
below the surface, eight to twelve inches. It is the great rice- 
producing section of the State— the broad bottoms of the Savan- 



60 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUKE GEORGIA. [^^8] 

nab, the two Ogeechees, the Altamaha and Saltilla being devoted 
almost exclusively to that cere d. It is also grown to a less extent 
on the St. Mary's, and considerable quantities on inland swamps, 
the irrigation in the latter bieng effected bj'' means of "backwater " 
collected from rains an* I secured by dams. Sea-island, or long 
staple cotton, was the only variety formerly grown, but of late 
years the short staple has been introduced and cultivated with fair 
success. Corn, oats, pumpkins, potatoes, ground-peas, all do well* 
The sea-islands are devoted almost exclsively to cotton, corn, cane, 
fruits and vegetables. Cypress and palmetto abound in the 
swamps and river bottoms. 

Average yield, per acre, of staple crops, with fair cultivation: 
Sea-island cotton, 600 lbs. in seed ; corn, 15 bushels; oats, 25 bush- 
els; rice, 40 bushels; cane syrup, 300 gallons, potatoes, 200 bush- 
els. On best lands, 1,500 lbs. seed cotton, 60 bushels rice, 600 gal- 
lons syrup, 50 bushels corn, 40 bushels oats, 400 bu.^hels potatoes 
are often produced on one acre. Corn planted middle of Febru- 
ary till Isc of June, gathered in August and September ; cotton 
planted in March and April, gathered in autumn months; rice 
planted March to June, harvested last of August till 1st October; 
cane planted February and March, cut in October and early in 
November; potatoes planted March to June, gathered J-dy to 
November; oats sowed in October, harvested in May. 

Average wages of good farm. hands per month, with rations, $9 ; 
of ordinary mechanics, $1.50 to $2.50 per day. 

The fruits best adapted to the soil and climate, are the figs, mel- 
ons of all kinds, scuppernong grapes, pomegranates, Sand or 
LeConte pears, some varieties of apples, strawberries ; the orange, 
lemon, lime and banana are also grown successfully. 

This section exports annually large quantities of fruits, chiefly 
melons— also vegetables ; nearly every variety of the latter attains 
to great perfection. 

The climate is delightful in winter, the mean temperature I eing 
about 48° ; nor is the heat oppressive in summer, 79° being the 
mean temperature. The mercury seldom rises above 90° or falls 
below 32°. The bracing influences of the sea-breezes is felt through- 
out this section. Snow is rarely seen, and never sufficient to lie 
on the groud half a day. Along the coast and off the fresh water 
rivers, the section is among the healthiest in the State. 

The district is well watered by running streams, and all parts 
of it convenient to market. Drinking water, though not cold, is 
good and wholesome. Railroads penetrate every county, except 
two, and they are well supplied with navigable streams, connect- 
ing with inland steamboat navigation from Savannah to Florida. 
The pine lands of this section are well timbered, and under good 



[149] GEORGIA FEOM AN rVIMTGRANT STAND-POINT. 61 

culture, produce fine crops. It may be bought at from 50 cents to 
$2.00 per acre, and on a liberal credit ; improved lands of the second 
quality mentioned, are worth from $5 to $10 per acre; good river 
rice lands, from $25 to $30 per acre. 

In Effingham, Camden, Wayne and Charlton, there are large 
deposits of calcareous marl, where it can be utilized to the greatest 
advantage in agriculture. Our State Geologist, in commenting on 
this division of the State, uses the following language: 

"I have seen no section of Georgia in which the people se«em to 
secure a comfortable supply of food with less eflbrt, and can see 
no reason why the whole country may not be made equal, if not 
superior, to that section of Prussia where Frederick the Great 
founded the city of Berlin, from which capital, within this decade, 
terms have been dictated to the continent of Europe. There is 
the greatest similarity in the soil and topography of the two sec- 
tions, and, should the tide of German emigration be turned hither, 
there would soon be realized to them the comforts and pleasures 
of the Fatherland." 

LETTEKS FROM ACTUAL SETTLERS. 

BRYAN COUNTY. 

I came to this county from the North in 185U. The climate here is delightful, and the 
soil unsurpassed for rice, coi'n, peas, cotton, potatoes. As to health, there is some fever 
on the river, but very healthy away from it. 

The condition of society is good, and there are very few disorderly persons in the 
part of the county where I live. Taxes are moderate, and life and property ..re as se- 
cure as anywhere in the Union. I think good immigrants would be very favorably re- 
ceived. The profits of rice culture are large, except when the crop is injured by storms, 
which are liable to occur in the river bottoms. 

GEO. LYMAN, Appleton, 1% A. & G. R. R., Ga. 

I am a native of Massachusetts— lived three years in New York State and two in Con- 
necticut—settled in Bryan county, Ga., in 1867. I am a teacher and farmer. If money 
is the object, school teaching is not a success— though we need teachers— but farming 
pays. Timber— cypress, black gum, sweet gum, and especially pine— is abundant, and 
might be utilized in the manufacture of boxes and measures. The climate is delightful, 
and I think I owe my life to it, for I came here a consumptive and am cured without 
medicine. The pine land is light and poor, but yields ample returns when fertilizers are 
applied. A great deal of swamp land, not yet under cultivation, is very rich, and will be 
reclaimed in time. The leading farm crops are cotton, rice, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, 
corn, oats, peas, chufas. Have been married twelve years, have six children, none of us 
have been sick a day, had no occasion to call a doctor. The people are moral and gen- 
erally religious; very few atheists, deists and sceptics. A fine opening for preachers 
and teachers who don''t want much money for their services. I believe that life and 
property are as safe here as anywhere. The people are law-abiding. ~ Taxes very low — 
only one per cent, including State and county. The feeling is very kind towards immi- 
grants; the people are more anxious for immigration than the older States. Land will 
average about $1.00 per acre, and is capable of a high degree of improvement by proper 
use of fertilizers, at a much less cost than the soil in New York, Massachusetts or 
Connecticut. 



62 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [1^0] 

CAMDEN COUNTY. 

I am a native of New York State— did mercantile business for twenty years at Waver- 
ly, Tioga county, in that State ; came to Georgia for my health in 1869. Since my resi- 
dence here— nearly ten years — myself and family have enjoyed uninterrupted health, 
winter and summer. From my experience and observation, I believe the climate of the 
Southern coast of Georgia cannot be surpassed for health and comfort during the entire 
year. 

The soil, with proper culture, will produce every variety of vegetables, and is most 
grateful for kind treatment. Even with inferior cultivation, the soil yields a return that 
could not be realized in the most favored locality in the North, under the same treat- 
ment. For growing the orange, or any other semi-tropical fruit grown in Florida (north 
of the frost line), the Southern coast of Georgia, for sixty miles, has advantages over the 
orange district 100 miles south. The orange tree is rnqre hardy, less liable to injury 
from cold, and the fruit has a thinner skin and higher flavor. I have 1,500 trees. Not a 
single year old seedling killed by the cold last January, while the trees in central and 
middle Florida suffered serious injury. Farm crops successfully grown are cotton, 
com, sugar cane, sorghum, peas and beans, Irish and sweet potatoes, oats, rye, etc. 

This region is far more healthy than any section of the North or West with which I 
am acquainted, and we have at St, Mary's as peaceable aud law-abiding class of peo- 
ple—white and black— as can be found in any section. So far as I have seen, there is 
less sectional feeling in the South than in the North, and I have never had any fear of 
personal violence to myself, family or to any Northern man who may desire to settle in 
Georgia. For nearly ten years that I have lived South, I have, without exception, re- 
leived the kindest treatment and e^adences of good will. 

The men who now represent the condition of society at the South to be such as should 
deter a Northern man from settling here, are enemies to the poor — white and black — 
North and South. Such men, who still appeal to the passions, were not clothed in blue 
or gray (during the civil strife) for honest purposes ; if wearing either color they were 
the ho7ne guards— or men seeking some personal benefit or political position. I have no 
doubt the persistent misrepresentations of the Southern people, has deterred many 
good men from seeking homes in the South ; who, could they have known the truth, 
would now be in the possession and enjoyment of free and independent homes in the 
South, freed from the anxieties of their present condition North. 

Taxes in Pennsylvania and New York— where I have real estate interests— are as four 
to one in Georgia. In Georgia, taxes are low on a very low valuation— in the North they 
are high on a high valuation. 

If all Georgians would work for Georgia as the Floridians work for Florida, the pop- 
ulation would be doubled in ten years. 

In my opinion there is no State in the Union that has the undeveloped wealth of 
Georgia. Every variety of fruit and grain grown in the United States can be successfully 
grown in Georgia ; its mineral wealth is very great, and its advantages for manufactu- 
ring everything useful are unsurpassed. Every variety of climate, from the balmy air 
on its Southern coast, to its mountains and snow of winter in the northern portion. 

I am proud of my native State, New York, but equally as much interested in the 
prosperity and full development of my adopted State south. =:<*♦* 

SILAS FORDHAM, 
St. Mary's, Camden county, Ga. 

[Very interesting letters were also received from Mr. Joseph 
Sheppard, St. Mary's, a native of Pennsylvania; Mr. Richard 
Bealy, St. Mary's, from England; and Mr. W. A.White, St. 
Mary's, from Connecticut. The above covers the points lully, 
and is concurred in by the others.] 



[151] GEORGIA — FI?OM AN EVIMIGRANT STAND-POINT. 63 

GLYNN COUNTY. 

I am a lineal descendant of the seventh generation of Elder Wm Brewster, a native 
of Connecticut, and have resided here about ten years, and during the prevalence of 
yellow fever, was not sick at all. It prevailed here only by reason of a combination of 
circumstances of an extraordinary character, and which will probably never occur again. 
As it was, most persons could have avoided it as I did, I was educated a physician. 
Persons of various professions have visited and done business in our county and those 
adjoining, and are now settled and doing business here, apparently for life. 

According to my knowledge and information, the inducements for immigration are 
fully equal to those of any quarter of the globe, and surpass those of most localities. 
The social condition is better than it is at the North Better feeling prevails towards 
the North than is reciprocated. The South is more humble, which insures God's bless- 
ing. P. A. BREW8TER, M. D., Brunswick, Ga.. 

Massachusetts is my native State. I came here in 1865, and engaged in the manufac- 
ture of yellow pine lumber. My "profession " is pretty well filled up now. This sec- 
tion offers inducements to farmers, and especially to stock-growing. The climate is sut- 
perior to that of Massachusetts, take it the year round. The soil, with care, is \'ery 
productive of corn, cotton, vegetables and fruits of all kinds — bananas, olives, etc , 
wheat and all cereals. Health is good where the country is properly drained so that no 
stagnant ponds are near. This low, flat section must have drainage to insure health. 
The condition of society is every way satisfactory, and life is secure as anywhere. 
Taxes (local city) are moderately heavy— owing to extravagance of officials and unsatis- 
factory political condition after reconstruction, while under the temporary control of the 
negroes. The people are very kind to immigrants, and their social treatment is unex- 
ceptionable. Laud is very cheap, and good farms are readily obtainable. 

WARREN A. FULLER, Brunswick, Ga. 

[Reference is also made to Jno. R. Cook, Brunswick, Ga., from 
whom a letter was received.] 

LIBERTY COUNTY. 
It gives me pleasure to answer your questions. I was bom in Rhode Island, and c^me 
here last December with my uncle, Mr. Ooe. Am a farmer, and consider this the best 
place for a young farmer with small capital, on account of the cheapness of land, small 
cost of living and good prices for farm produce. The climate is healthy ; have ncrver 
been so well as since I came here. The sod looks good— time will tell kow good. Ric«. 
corn and cotton are the principal crops. Mine is all rice. Society is refined and agree- 
able, but very few white people in this section. It is perfectly safe for any honest man, 
white or blaek, to live here. I was cordially received, and all express a desire for set- 
tlers to come and " occupy the land." Lands worth from |I.tiO to $5.00 per acre. 

G. A. BAILEY, Dorchester, Qte. 

Not having been in Georgia a sufficient time to answer all your questions, T will pon- 
fine myself to those which do not require length of time for solution. I am a farmer. 
«tme from New England in 187S. The inducements most noticeable to a new-comer 
are cheap lands for farming and grazing. From my brief experience, I consider the .cli- 
miite very healthy and enjoyable, and my life as safe here as in any place in our country. 
Think the freedmen are not so well able to withstand the temptation to steal as those 
Who have had better opportunities for moral education. 

The feeling manifested towards me has been most kind and cordial— Par more so-ihan 
r had any right to expect. Found a hearty welcome everywhere. 

I cannot refrain from saying that, in my estimation, there is no part of our country 
that possesses superior conditions for successful enterprise in any branch of farming, 
whether it be stock raising, farming proper or fruit growing. 

JAS. COE, Dorchester £fti. 



64: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [l^^] 

PIERCE COUNTY. 

I came to Georgia in 1876, from Illinois. Am a physician, but find this section too 
healthy lo be profitable for a man of my professioa. The climate is very fine; soil 
rather lean. The productions are cotton, corn, sugar-cane, peas, potatoes, timber, tur- 
pentine. It is remarkably healthy. Society is rather poor, but life and property are 
perfectly safe. Taxes low. Good feeling towards immigrants, and they are well treated. 
The resources of this county are so undeveloped that it is difficult to say what may be 
accomplished; but that it is a natural fruit-growing country, especially for grapes, there 
is no doubt. Fruits and vegetables can be raised very profitably. 

If properly cared for, sheep can be raised very profiUibly. The people are clever and 
peaceable, though generally illiterate; and there are but few schools. 

Northern people can come here with entire safety. The laws are quite as well en- 
forced as in the Northwest. I like this much better than Bliuois and Michigan. For 
all diseases of the air passages, I do not think a better climate can be found. 

W. E. ERASER, M.D., Blackshear, Ga. 

[Letter also received from Mr. Daniel Campbell, Blackshear, 
Ga., fully sustaining the statements in the foregoing.] 

WAYNE COUNTY. 

Am a native of New York ; came here in 1869, and engaged in merchandising. If 
goods are sold strictly for cash, I know of no better opening for well-posted business 
men than in Southeast Georgia. Little farming done in this immediate neighborhood, 
though climate and soU favor the production of cotton, rice, corn, oats, sugar cane and 
sweet potatoes. Soil in this county sandy, with clay subsoil. Crops are two or three 
weeks ahead of those across the river, in Liberty county (which is much lower than 
Wayne, but the richest and finest county in Southeast Georgia). Fruits grow in profu- 
sion and of elegant quality. This is as healthy a section as I ever lived lu, and that cov- 
ers a close acquaintance and sojourn in every State this side of Oregon and California. 
There are malarial fevers at times, but they readily succumb to ordinary remedies, and 
there is nothing of malignant type. Of the condition of society, can say nothing in its 
favor, but the adjoining county of Liberty has a splendid class of people, noted for 
morality. 

Life and property are as safe as in any part of the United States. Taxes are unusually 
small, and we are out of debt, with a balance in the treasury. With a few exceptions 
among the most ignorant, the great majority of the people, and all the better classes 
extend a hearty welcome to Northern immigrants who are men of energy and industry. 
Capital, however, is no disqualification. With one-fourth the investment and one-fourth 
the labor here, a good farmer can reap ten times the value of the same investment North. 
Land can be bought at from 25 cents to $3.00 per acre. 

During a residence of ten years, I have failed to see or hear of an instance, in this 
section, of "int.midation" or "shot-gun policy." to white or black. Perfect freedom 
of speech— political or religious. We need a fence law (to fence stock) and a dog law— 
for this country is magnificent for sheep-raising. 

JAMES O. CLARKE, Doctor Town, Ga. 

Want of space forbids the insertion of a very interesting letter 
from Mr. S. S. Moore, who came from Ohio in 1866. His post- 
ofRce is Jesup, Ga. 



INDEX, 



A. 

Appling County 69 

Agriculturai College 19 

Agricultural College, North Georgia 19 

Alieus 22, 23 

Atlanta, Temperature of 7 

Atlanta University 19 

B. 

Baker County 49 

Baldwin County 39, 41 

Banks County 31, 33 

Bartow County 32, 34 

Berrien County! , 49 

Bibb County 39, 41 

Brooks County 12, 49 

Bryan County 59, 61 

Bulloch County 56 

Burke County 56 

Butts County 39, 42 

C. 

Calhoun County 49^ 51 

Camden County 59, 61, 62 

Campbell County 39^ 42 

Carroll County 39^ 43 

Catoosa County 32 

Charlton County 59^ 61 

Chatham County 59 

Chattahoochee County 49 

Chattooga County 32 

Cherokee County 32 

Clarke County 39^ 43 

Clay County 12, 49, 51 

Clayton County 39, 43 

Clinch County 59 

Cobb County 32, 34 



II INDEX. 

Coff'ee County 59 

Columbia County 39, 43 

Colquitt County 49 

Coweta County 39, 44 

Crawford County 49 

Capacity of Soil under high Culture 11 

Climate 7 

College of Agriculture 19 

Common Schools 20, 21 

Constitution 21 

Consumption 17 

Cotton 10 

Cotton Crop of Georgia 10 

D. 

Dade County 32, 35 

Dawson County 31 

Decatur County 49 

DeKalb County 39 

Dodge County 56 

Dooly County 49 

Dougherty County 49, 52 

Douglas County , 39, 44 

E. 

Early County 49 

Echols County 59 

Effingham County 59, 61 

Elbert County 39 

Emanuel County 56 

East Georgia 56 

Education 18 

Emory College 19 

F. 

Floyd County 32, 35 

Forsyth County 31, 36 

Fannin County 31 

Fayette County 39, 45 

Franklin County 31 

Fulton County 39, 45 

Face of the Country 6 

Female Colleges 20 

Fruits 11 

G. 

Gilmer County 31 

Glascock County ^ 66 



INDEX. Ill 

aiyiiii County ..59, 68 

Greene County ...39; 46 

Gordon County ' 32 

Gwinnett County 31 

Geographical Situation 5 

Geologist, State 15 

Gold 15 

Gold Belt 16 

Government 21 

H. 

Habersham County 31 

Hall County 31 

Hancock County 39, 46 

Haralson County 32, 36 

Harris County 39 

Hart County 31 

Heard County 39 

Henry County 39 

Houston County 49 

Health 17 

High Culture 11 

I. 

Irwin County 49 

Indian Corn 8 

J. 

Jackson County 31 

Jasper County 39, 47 

Jefferson County 56 

Johnson County 56 

Jones County 39 

L. 

Laurens County 56 

Lee County 49 

Liberty County 59, 63 

Lincoln County 39 

Loundes County 49, 52 

Lumpkin County 31, 37 

Lower Georgia , 6, 9 

M. 

Macon County 49 

Madison County ,. 31 

Marion County 49 

McDuffie County ,..,., ,., 39 



IV INDEX. 

Mcintosh County 59 

Meriwether County 39 

Miller County 49 

Milton County 31 

Mitchell County 49 

Monroe County 39 

Montgomery County 56 

Morgan County 39, 47 

Murray County 32 

Muscogee County 49, 52 

Manual of Georgia 3, 4 

Mercer University 19 

Metals and Minerals of Georgia 14, 33 

Middle Georgia 6, 9, 39 

Minerals and Metals of Georgia... 14, 33 

Mines 15 

N. 

Newton County 39 

Naturaliza ti on 22 

Newspapers, List of 24, 25, 26, 27 

North Georgia 30 

Northeast Georgia 31 

Northwest Georgia 32 

O. 

Oconee County 39, 47 

Ogethorpe County 39, 48 

P. 

Paulding County 32, 37 

Pickens County 31 

Pierce County 59, 64 

Pike County 48 

Polk County 32, 37, 39 

Pulaski County 56, 57 

Putnam County : 39, 48 

Pio Nono College 19 

Population 16 

Preface 3 

Public School System 20 

Q 

Quitman County 49 

Qualification of Voters 21 

R. 
Rabun County 31 



INDEX. V 

Randolph County.... 49, 53 

Richmond County 56, 57 

Rockdale County 39 

Railroads in Georuin 27, 28 

Rehgion 21 

S. 

Schley County 49, 53 

Screven County 56, 58 

Spalding County 39 

Stewart County 49 

Sumter County 49 

Seamen.... 23 

Sectional Divisions 29 

Soils and Production? 7 

Soils of Georgia 8 

Southern Georgia , 9 

Southern Pacifile Railroad 5 

Southeast Georgia 59 

Southwest Georgia 49 

Sugar Cane 10 

Summer Climate 7 

T. 

Talbot County 39 

Taliaferro County 39 

Tatnall County 56 

Taylor County 49, 54 

Teifair County 56 

Terrell County 49, 54 

Thomas County 49, 54 

Towns County 31 

Troup County 39, 49 

Twiggs County 56 

Tobacco 10 

U. 

Union County 31 

Upson County 39 

Upper Georgia 6, 8 

University of Georgia 18 

University, Mercer 19 

University, Atlanta 19 

V. 

Vegetables 11 

Voters, qualification of 21 



VI INDEX. 

w. 

Walker County 32,38,49 

Walton County 39,49 

Ware County.. 59 

Warren County 39 

Washington County : 56, 58 

Wayne County 59, 61, 64 

Webster County 49 

White County 31 

Wilcox County 49 

Wilkes County 39 

Wilkinson County 56, 59 

Whitfield County 32,39 

Worth County 49, 55 

Winter climate 7 



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